Zelkova serrata

(Thunb.) Makino

Japanese zelkova, Smooth-leaved Zelkova

Ulmaceae Edible: Leaves 12,407 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkova, Japanese elm, keyaki, or keaki; Japanese: 欅, romanized: keyaki or 槻, tsuki; simplified Chinese: 榉树; traditional Chinese: 櫸樹; pinyin: jǔshù; Korean: 느티나무; RR: neutinamu) is a species of the genus Zelkova native to Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan. It is often grown as an ornamental tree, and used in bonsai. There are two varieties, Zelkova serrata var. serrata in Japan and mainland eastern Asia, and Zelkova serrata var. tarokoensis (Hayata) Li on Taiwan which differs from the type in its smaller leaves with less deeply cut serration on the margins.

Description

A medium sized deciduous tree. It grows to 20-40 m high. The branches are straight and spreading. They form a neat rounded crown. The bark is smooth when young. It flakes to reveal orange patches. The leaves are alternate and have a long sharp tip. The leaves are oval and 3-11 cm long by 1.3-7 cm wide. They have saw like teeth. The leaves turn orange and yellow in autumn. Male and female flowers occur on the same twig. They are green and small. The fruit is small and round.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten cooked.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known for this plant.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is native to China, Japan and Korea. It grows in moist soil near streams. It can tolerate some shade. It needs a moist soil. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Burnie Rhodo Gardens. In Sichuan. National Arboretum Canberra.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, North America, Russia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA,

Cultivation

It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It is also possible to use layers or grafts.

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination rates are variable. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

The wood is tough, hard, and beautifully grained, and is used for tool handles, construction, and furniture.

Notes

There are 5 Zelkova species.

Synonyms

Zelkova acuminata

Also Known As

Guangye Ju, Keaki

References (15)

Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 17:13. 1903
Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 310
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1496
Farrar, J.L., 1995, Trees of the Northern United States and Canada. Iowa State University press/Ames p 361
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 5

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