Keyaki, Keaki

Zelkova serrata, also known as Keaki tree, is a relative of the Elm, which is a native of Japan. Being related, it is similar in appearance to Elm, yet has good resistance to Dutch Elm Disease and won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

The foliage of this species is bright green, Elm-like in appearance, but Hornbeam-like in size. The autumn display of foliage is vivid, producing a range of colours from red through to bronze. 

The bark is smooth, yet does flake attractively as the tree matures.

The Japanese Zelkova is a Medium to Large tree at maturity, producing a stately specimen with a wide and spreading crown. These trees perform best in fertile, sandy and loamy soils. Zelkova serrata is a real statement specimen, requiring space to get the best from it. It is therefore best suited to large gardens or avenue and parkland planting.

Mature height: 12-17m

Common names

Keyaki, Keaki

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained

Shape

Rounded, Broad

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Award

Looks good in

Autumn

Genus

Zelkova