Zelkova serrata, commonly called Japanese zelkova, is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 50-80' tall with a spreading, generally upward-branching, vase-shaped crown. It has alternately arranged leaves growing to 5 cm long and broad.
The leaves themselves are simple and ovate to oblong-ovate with serrated or crenate margins, to which the tree owes its specific epithet serrata. The leaves are acuminate or apiculate, rounded or subcordate at the base, and contain 8–14 pairs of veins.
The leaves are rough on top and glabrous or nearly glabrous on the underside. They are green to dark green in spring and throughout the summer, changing to yellows, oranges and reds in autumn. The petioles are 2–5 mm (1⁄16–3⁄16 in) long.
Zelkova serrata is monoecious. It develops flowers in spring with the leaves. Buds are ovoid, acutish, with many imbricate, dark brown scales. They diverge at a 45 degree angle from the stem. The staminate flowers are shortly pedicellate and approximately 3mm in diameter, clustered in the axils of the lower leaves. The pistillate flowers are sessile, solitary or clustered in the axils of the upper leaves.
The fruit of Zelkova serrata is a samara, which is a dry, winged fruit. The samaras are about 0.4–0.5 cm long and have a single wing. They mature in autumn and are dispersed by the wind.
Zelkova serrata is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world. It is valued for its attractive foliage, graceful shape, and tolerance of a variety of conditions. It is also a good choice for urban areas, as it is tolerant of air pollution.
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