Zelkova serrata

[Pharvey3232]

Picked up an older Zelkova serrata last week. Owner said it was imported around 1994ish. I had doubts it was zelkova Because the bark is very knarled , so I checked with Peter over at heroins and he said yes it was a zelkova serrata and judging by the bark a very old one I've got it set in a filtered sun location and it seems happy. Had a question regarding the leaves. I figured I'd prob loose them in winter. I've noticed a few already turning yellow. My question is in spring do the leaves come back pretty easy. Are they vigorous growers ?

 

[StarGazer]

I have a younger zelkova than yours and has not developed a cracked bark, it does have vigorous growth in my climate. Zelkovas do loose their leaves in the winter, and have nice fall coloration.

 

[leatherback]

My (young) zelkova grow easily 3-4 feet over summer. And that is in pots, not in the ground.
I consider them amongst the most vigorous species. They do fill up the pots with roots too..

 

[Shibui]

Zelkova is also a strong grower down here. Mine grows so strong it is always a battle to get good ramification. It is also way more hardy than most other deciduous. Mine has survived accidental drought, severe root pruning and various other neglect.
Zelkova is one of the last to bud in spring so do not worry when all other trees have leaves except your zelkova.

 

[AlainK]

In the 1990s, many elms imported either from China or Japan were labelled "Zelkova" to avoid trouble at the customs because of the elm disease. Maybe it's one of these.
A close-up of the leaves would help. They actually look much more like Zelkova than Chinese elm, but the bark is unusual : I have a big 20+ year-old Zelkova in my garden, the diameter of the trunk at 1 m from the ground is about 30 cm (1 foot) and the bark is not cracked. Maybe a different variety or cultivar ?

 

[Graft]

Looks like a Cork Bark Elm "Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. corticosa".

 

[Graft]

Actually could it be a Zelkova Serrata grafted onto Cork Bark Elm Stock????

The branch smoothness does not match the trunks. Or it could have been chopped back recently so that the branches age hasn't caught up yet. But I am pretty sure it's not a Zelkova.

 

[BobbyLane]

Yeh its a Zelkova. been in a pot a long time by what you said, gotten a bit craggy. Chinese elms do this too

 

[Graft]

Yeh its a Zelkova.

View attachment 340312

I Stand Corrected

 

[MrWunderful]

No need for filtered sun, especially this time of year. Mine are in 100% full sun all year.

 

[Pharvey3232]

Very encouraging to hear. Love trees that are vigorous growers.
Thanks guys. Besides my Amur this is my first deciduous and I'm excited

 

[ConorDash]

Very encouraging to hear. Love trees that are vigorous growers.
Thanks guys. Besides my Amur this is my first deciduous and I'm excited

Nice, you graduated to deciduous trees! Now the fun begins