Chinese Zelkova Zelkova schneideriana
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- zel-KO-va shny-der-AY-nah
- Description
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Chinese zelkova is a large, fast growing deciduous tree in the Ulmaceae (elm) family native to stream banks in Asia.
It prefers moist well-drained soils though can grow in a variety of soil types and pH. Plant in dappled shade to full sun in woodland, or riparian settings. It will need protection from cold winters when it is young but once it is established it is tolerant of cold and drought.
The bark provides winter interest in the landscape and this can be a specimen tree or planted in a wide border. It can be difficult to find but is sometimes sold as a bonsai tree.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Trees can contract Dutch Elm Disease, but the beetle that is the vector of this disease rarely feeds on Zelkova so infestation is rare. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. In central North Carolina, this tree is showing stress in urban environments along streets and in parking lots. This stress includes center of crown dieback and cracks in the bark.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Zelkova
- Species:
- schneideriana
- Family:
- Ulmaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The fibre from the bark is used for manufacturing ropes and paper. The high quality timber is resistant to decay.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Tibet
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Honey Fungus
- Dimensions:
- Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 98 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 50 ft. 0 in. - 70 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Multi-stemmed
- Oval
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 24-60 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Drupe
- Fruit Description:
- Kidney bean shaped drupe starts off green turns to brown that resemble hackberry ripen September-November.
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Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Monoecious, insignificant flowers appear just after leaf out.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leathery dark green crooked elliptical oval-elongated with serrate to crenate margin. Top has rough hairs below gray hairs. Red fall color
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Dark Gray
- Light Brown
- Orange
- Surface/Attachment:
- Exfoliating
- Smooth
- Bark Plate Shape:
- Irregular
- Bark Description:
- Smooth, exfoliating bark flaking off in plates revealing light brown to orange below is attractive in the winter. The fibre from the bark is used for manufacturing ropes and paper.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Dark gray and bare.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Riparian
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Wind
