Japanese Zelkova

It is noted for its graceful vase shape when young, green textured foliage, and attractive honeycomb bark.1

It is native to Japan, Taiwan and eastern China.2

Zelkova has in fact been promoted in recent years as a substitute for American elm (Ulmus americana) because of its resistance to Dutch elm disease.2

The leaves are 2-5″ long with very serrated margins and pinnate veins that sometimes split off in pairs toward the leaf margins. The gray bark has irregularly shaped scales that do not peel but can flake off.3