Zelkova serrata
Zelkova serrata (Zelkova serrata) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Marginal cold hardiness for the Front Range, winter dieback and stress are common. Better suited to milder zones.
low to medium water50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
- Photo 2: no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
- Photo 3: no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Red, orange, bronze
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessHardy most winters but marginal in our cold pockets, so give it a protected spot and expect the odd year of winter dieback.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Zelkova serrata good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Zelkova serrata is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Zelkova serrata not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Hardy most winters but marginal in our cold pockets, so give it a protected spot and expect the odd year of winter dieback.
- How big does Zelkova serrata get?
- It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Zelkova serrata need?
- Give Zelkova serrata about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Zelkova serrata grow into?
- Zelkova serrata typically grows into a vase shape, a narrower base flaring to a high, arching crown that lifts over a patio or street. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Zelkova serrata hardy on the Front Range?
- Zelkova serrata is hardy in USDA 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Hardy most winters but marginal in our cold pockets, so give it a protected spot and expect the odd year of winter dieback.
- How much water does Zelkova serrata need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Zelkova serrata grow?
- Zelkova serrata is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Zelkova serrata live?
- Zelkova serrata has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Zelkova serrata turn in fall?
- Zelkova serrata turns red, orange, and bronze in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Zelkova serrata native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
