*Japanese zelkova

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*Zelkova serrata
JAPANESE ZELKOVA

Ulmaceae
Asia

Location: map coordinates E-28 (southeast of MLK [Martin Luther King] Student Center), N 39°11'15'' W 75°32'28''

Planting history: planted with construction of the new MLK Student Center ca 2009.

Description:
  • medium- to large-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Zelkova from the Caucasian name; serrata = saw-toothed (leaves)
  • leaves simple, alternate, toothed (serrate or crenate), base symmetrical; autumn foliage beautiful yellow/orange/red
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same tree); flowers small, greenish, not showy
  • fruit small, brown, drupe (stone fruit); wingless
  • shape distinctive; branches angle upward above a short trunk
  • relatively popular as an ornamental/street tree; tolerates air pollution. Considered a substitute for American elm, because zelkova is also in the elm family, but is resistant to Dutch elm disease which has decimated American elm (but zelkova is not as graceful as the American elm vase shape)
  • many cultivars

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)

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