Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree renowned for its graceful vase-like shape, vibrant autumn colour, and exceptional urban tolerance. Though not a true elm, it belongs to the same family (Ulmaceae) and is often favoured as an alternative.

From early spring, this tree produces bright green, hornbeam-like leaves with distinctive serrated edges, measuring between 5–12 cm. These create a dense, elegant canopy that offers ample summer shade. Its small, greenish spring flowers emerge with the leaves and are visually subtle, allowing the tree’s form to remain uncluttered.

In autumn, Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ transforms with a fiery display of orange-red and copper foliage. The visual appeal is further enhanced by its smooth grey bark, which gradually exfoliates as the tree matures, revealing attractive, flaky patterns.

Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand, and is not pH-sensitive. Once established, it is highly resistant to drought, heat, and pollution, making it ideal for streets, parks, and other urban environments. In its native Japan, it’s also valued for timber production due to its strong, fine-grained wood.

For bold seasonal contrast, try pairing with Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’.

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Size

Large

12m high x 5m wide after 25 years

Environment

Makes a great avenue, street and park tree. Ideal for planting in areas.

Canopy

A fast growing vase shaped tree with branches steeply ascending. Has a narrower crown than the typical species, however it is still quite wide and semi-open in nature. As the tree matures, the crown expands in breadth and is ideal for capturing rainfall.

Foliage

Leaves are ovoid to elongated and emerge a soft green. Each leaf has singular teeth that taper to a point along the edge. In autumn, leaves will transition to a lovely yellow to orange-red.

Bark

Initially appears smooth with grey, pink and brown lenticels. The bark flakes as it matures, revealing orange and browns.

Flowers

Inconspicuous green flowers will appear in spring.

Fruit

Small bean shaped fruits will appear in autumn.

Resilience

Most moist, well drained soils, including moist, loamy soil, and will do well in full sun or partial shade. Great for urban planting as it tolerates paving and frost.

Available As:

Semi-Mature, Super Semi-Mature