Zelkova serrata

A medium–large deciduous tree from the Ulmaceae family. The tree’s name is derived from the special shape of its leaves that are unlike other Zelkova species: serrated at the ends, resembling the shape of a saw. This is the only Zelkova species in Israel. It is a large tree with a broad, round canopy. In its place of origin, it grow even larger, reaching a height of up to 30 m and a diameter of 10 meters. Its dark green leaves turn yellow, orange and even red-purple in a particularly impressive fall display. The trunk color varies between gray and brown, and it is smooth when the tree is young. In its adulthood, the trunk bark peels off and reveals the fresh, orange trunk beneath. The trunk is relatively thin, and the branches split off at a relatively low height. To obtain a high crown, the tree must be professionally designed from a young age.

The tree is resistant to cold and will tolerate most types of soil in Israel. It is also resistant to air pollution and urban conditions. In its youth, it grows very quickly, and its growth rate slows as the tree matures. The tree will reach an impressive height in ideal conditions of nutrient-rich, moist and well-drained soil.

The combination of the look of the thin truck, the beautiful crown and the impressive fall display with the ease of growth, lifespan and resistance make Zelkova serrata an attractive tree for many uses: lining streets or sidewalks, providing shade on a lawn or in a park, an impressive tree in a grove or by the roadside. This combination has not gone unnoticed by landscape architects and gardeners, and the tree is becoming more and more widespread in the world due to its many advantages. In Israel, Z. serrata is rarely used, and this is a shame. We strongly recommend this tree.

In the same family: Celtis bungeana | Celtis australis |Celtis sinensis | Celtis africana | Celtis occidentalis | Zelkova serrata