Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata - Japanese or sawleaf zelkova

Japanese zelkova can be recognized from its vase shape: a short main trunk dividing into ascending branches. In old trees, identification is helped by the colourful patchy bark when old grey pieces exfoliate to reveal fresh orange patches. Japanese zelkova belongs to the elm family (Ulmaceae), but is not troubled by elm disease. It is increasingly used as a street and shade tree in both the East and the West.