Unique Features: The Zelkova, also known as the Japanese Zelkova, is native to eastern Asia where it is used as a lumber source as well as an ornamental tree. The Green Vase Zelkova grows at a respectable rate into a large tree but is still narrower than the species. The bright green, long (up to 3”) elliptical leaves have a sharp point and saw tooth edges.  The younger bark has a smooth grey aspect and as it matures it exfoliates, or peels off, showing the orange brown under bark. Zelkova actually prefer higher pH, alkaline soils such as ours but will do well in all other types of soil except sand. Zelkova are related to elms but are resistant to Dutch elm disease, and also have moderate resistance to elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle.