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Chinese Zelkova Zelkova schneideriana

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
zel-KO-va shny-der-AY-nah
Description

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:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#large tree#bonsai#winter interest#riparian#stream banks#fast growing#deciduous tree#fall color red#perennial#urban conditions intolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#large tree#bonsai#winter interest#riparian#stream banks#fast growing#deciduous tree#fall color red#perennial#urban conditions intolerant
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Multi-stemmed
    Oval
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Monoecious, insignificant flowers appear just after leaf out.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Dark gray and bare.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Riparian
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Wind