Description
Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ / Green Vase Zelkova
Planting Points: One of the most popular Zelkova cultivars, known for its graceful vase shape, fast growth, and refined form. Excellent urban-tolerant trees. Withstands heat, pollution, compacted soils, and drought once established. Leaves are finely serrated, dark green in summer, turning multi-colored in fall. Bark matures to a smooth gray brown with subtle exfoliation, adding winter interest. Strong branch structure with good resistance to breakage. Resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and useful as an elm alternative in street-tree designs. Prune during dormancy to maintain central leader and structure; minimal pruning usually needed. Withstands moderate drought but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
Siting This Tree: Excellent for streetscapes, boulevards, and urban corridors due to its toughness. Ideal for parks, campuses, and commercial landscapes. Great shade tree for residential yards, offering a graceful, arching canopy. Works well as a replacement for American elm, especially in areas needing vase-shaped shade trees. Avoid consistently wet soils or confined spaces directly under power lines.
