Zelkova

This group consists of five deciduous trees of which four are natives of Asia; one tree is from Crete. Zelkovas are handsome trees that provide wonderful shade. The small, greenish flowers are unnoticeable and borne on different parts of the tree. Fertile flowers are borne at the top of tree while only male flowers are produced on the lower branches. Z. serrata (Japanese Zelkova or Japanese Keaki Tree) grows from 50 to 80 feet high with either single or multiple trunks. The rough, dark green leaves have serrated margins and are 1 to 2� inches long toward the top of the tree and 2 to 5 inches long on the lower branches. They turn dark red in autumn. Z. carpinifolia (Elm Zelkova) is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 100 feet. The smooth, gray bark flakes off in irregular pieces with age. It develops a dense, conical head of branches that are covered with dark green leaves, which grow up to 3 inches long. The foliage turns orange-brown in the autumn. The wood of these trees is very hard, pliable and heavy and is used for many things, including the manufacture of furniture.

Pot Cultivation

Zelkovas need full sun and moist, well-drained loamy soil that is deep enough to accommodate the trees long roots. Trees that are established will tolerate wind, shade and drought. Young trees can be pruned in the fall; older trees hardly ever need pruning.

Propagation

Seeds are used to increase these trees, though suckers are sometimes used.