Japanese Zelkova Saw-leaf Zelkova

Japanese zelkova is the tree that replaced American elm, or tried to. After Dutch elm disease destroyed the elm canopy of American cities, zelkova was planted by the millions as a substitute, because it develops a similar vase-shaped form with upswept branches and provides the same arching, cathedral-like shade. The bark exfoliates on mature specimens to reveal orange-brown inner bark, and the serrated, elm-like leaves turn yellow, orange, and russet-red in fall. Native to Japan, it grows fifty to seventy feet with a broad, rounded to vase-shaped crown.

In Western Washington, Japanese zelkova performs well as a street tree and shade tree in full sun with well-drained soil. It tolerates urban conditions, compacted soil, wind, and moderate drought. 'Green Vase' is the most widely planted cultivar, upright, vase-shaped, and vigorous. 'Village Green' is broader and faster-growing. The fall color is variable but can be excellent in good years. No significant disease or pest concerns are tracked, zelkova is resistant to Dutch elm disease, which was the entire point of planting it. For a large, tough, vase-shaped shade tree that provides the elm silhouette without the elm disease risk, Japanese zelkova is the practical, long-lived choice.