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Japanese Zelkova

Researched by Sofia DiCastelnuovo

Species: Zelkova serrata
Common name: Japanese Zelkova
Family:  Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
Clade:  Angiosperm (flowering seed plants)

Coordinates:  39.70594777, -75.12171992

Tree Tag: 053 An icon used to show more information.
A tag using this number is placed near the tree.

 

Hello! I see you have made your way to tree number 53 on Rowan’s campus, the Zelkova serrata. This tree is also known as the Japanese zelkova tree. This is one of three members of this species on campus, all located in the Bunce Circle area. As you might have guessed from its name, this tree is not native to our area and was introduced in America in 1862. It is known to live in temperate regions, and commonly found along many city streets as a “shade tree” as it tolerates urban conditions well. It was originally native to Eastern Asia and Japan. This species typically has a lifespan of over 60 years. It is a part of the Ulmaceae family, commonly known as Elm.

This particular tree is the largest of the few Japanese zelkovas around campus, meaning it is most likely the oldest. If you look at this tree’s bark, you are looking at what is called honeycomb bark, typically in the colors grey and brown. The trunk is short, and branches remain upright. If you look at some of the other trees nearby, you might notice how perky the Japanese zelkova’s branches are! As for the leaves, they are considered simple leaves and grow in an alternate arrangement on the branches. They are narrow, and typically 1-2 inches long. If you are able to reach a leaf, you can feel that they are rough on top and smooth underneath. Read More

 

Japanese Zelkova Leaf Illustration
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova trunk in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova branches in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in autumn in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova in autumn in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova bark in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in autumn in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaf in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in autumn in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova leaves in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova bark in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova branches in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova trunk in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.
An image of the japanese zelkova in winter in the Rowan University Arboretum, Glassboro New Jersey.

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Campus Species Map
Researcher’s Biography

Sofia DiCastelnuovo

Biological Science (2023)

I am a Biological Sciences major, with a minor in sustainability science, learning more about the human connection to the world around us and the effects we have on the environment. My passion for this field began when I took my first seasonal job in Page, Arizona in 2021. This was the first time I ventured out west and traveled alone. Being able to visit many different national parks and areas during my time there opened my eyes to how truly different the world is from the bubble I lived in at home in Southern New Jersey. Learning about new cultures and environments inspired me to want to know more. This led me to the opportunity of a volunteer trip on The Big Island, Hawaii in March, 2022, where I worked with native people in different projects over a 9-day span and made a positive impact on the local organizations and communities in the area. That time is something I will always cherish and carry with me, as it gave me a valuable experience that I will never forget. The following summer, I went on to take another seasonal position in Yosemite National Park, so that I could put myself in another new environment to explore and learn more about the park and myself. All of these opportunities led me to where I am today, and I am excited to continue finding opportunities to explore and help the world around me.

Suggested Citation:

DiCastenuovo, Sofia. (2022, Dec). Japanese Zelkova. Rowan University Arboretum. https://arboretum.rowan.edu/trees/japanese-zelkova/

Questions to Explore

    • Why are Japanese Zelkovas highly resistant to dutch elm disease?
    • What happened to the Japanese Zelkova trees that were affected by stick insects in Japan?
    • Why is the Japanese Zelkova tolerant of urban conditions?

    References

    Culley, T. M., Dreisilker, K., Clair Ryan, M., Schuler, J. A., Cavallin, N., Gettig, R., . . . Shultz, B. (2022). The potential role of public gardens as sentinels of plant invasion. Biodiversity & Conservation, 31(7), 1829-1844. | Link 

    Yano, K., Ozaki, T., Suzuki, T., Yamazaki, H., Nasuno, M., Degawa, Y., & Tojo, K. (2021). Outbreak of the stick insect, 0RW1S34RfeSDcfkexd09rT2ramulus mikado1RW1S34RfeSDcfkexd09rT2 (phasmatodea, phasmatidae), in the akashina area of japan (azumino city, nagano prefecture). Entomological Science, 24(2), 196-200. | Link 

    Makino, T. (2007). Zelkova Serrata. Plants for a future. | Link

    Lahti, H. (2021). Zelkova Serrata. Smithsonian. | Link 

    Engels, L. (2021). How to Grow Japanese Zelkova Trees. The Spruce. Dotdash Meredith. | Link 

     

    Rowan University Resources

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    Dynamics of xylem and phloem sap flow in an outdoor zelkova tree visualized by magnetic resonance imaging | Link

    Ecophysiological responses of Japanese forest tree species to ozone, simulated acid rain and soil acidification | Link

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