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 Musashino is a columnar variety with upswept branches that grow fairly rapidly into a narrow vase shape. 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.  Zelkovas 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 elm trees but are resistant to Dutch elm disease, and also have moderate resistance to elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle.