Caucasian Zelkova Zelkova carpinifolia
ABOUT
Zelkova carpinifolia, commonly known as Caucasian elm, is a deciduous tree known for its graceful and elegant appearance. It features a spreading canopy that often creates a rounded or oval shape over time. The leaves of the Caucasian elm are a distinctive feature. They are generally oblong to ovate in shape with a serrated or toothed margin, giving them a slightly rough texture. The foliage is a rich green color throughout the growing season, before turning into warm shades of gold, orange, or russet in the fall, when the tree puts on a striking display of autumn color. The bark of the Caucasian elm is another distinctive characteristic. It is smooth and gray when the tree is young but develops a fascinating pattern of deep fissures and flaky plates as it matures, adding to the tree's visual interest throughout the year. This textured bark becomes more prominent with age, and can be quite eye-catching, especially in the winter months when the leaves have fallen. The plant's flowers are inconspicuous, small, and typically greenish in color. They appear in the spring before the new leaves emerge. Following the flowers, the tree produces small, winged fruits known as samaras that mature in late spring to early summer. These fruits are not particularly showy, but they can provide food for wildlife. The Caucasian elm can be recognized by its vase-shaped growth habit, with multiple branches that grow upward and outward from a single trunk. This structural form creates an attractive silhouette in the landscape. The tree's branches and twigs are often slender and have a delicate appearance, in contrast to the sturdy trunk. Overall, the Caucasian elm is favored for its aesthetic appeal, with a combination of striking bark, elegant leaf shape, and a stunning fall color display, this tree is adored by gardeners and landscapers who are looking to add an element of sophistication to their spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ulmaceae
Synonyms
Caucasian Zelkova, Caucasian Elm
Common names
Zelkova crenata, Zelkova ulmoides, Planera crenata, Planera richardii, Zelkova abelicea, Zelkova cretica.
ToxicityTo humans
The Caucasian Zelkova is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence suggesting that ingestion of any part of this plant would lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild reactions.
To pets
The Caucasian Zelkova is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among plants that are poisonous to household pets like dogs and cats. Thus, ingestion of this plant is not typically associated with poisoning or serious health issues. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food items by pets can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or obstruction, so it is generally advisable to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
50 feet [15 meters]
Spread
60 feet [18 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Zelkova carpinifolia, commonly known as the Caucasian Elm, has an attractive vase shape with a spreading canopy that adds beauty and structure to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: With its broad canopy, the Caucasian Elm offers ample shade in garden spaces and public parks, making it ideal for sunny climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance to drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Urban Tolerant: It can thrive in urban settings, tolerating pollution and compacted soils better than many other tree species.
- Seasonal Interest: This elm provides visual interest through the year, with serrated green leaves that turn to attractive yellow or rusty-red hues in the fall.
- Habitat Support: The tree supports wildlife by providing food in the form of seeds and shelter within its branches for birds and other creatures.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Caucasian Elm requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead branches.
- Windbreak: Its dense canopy and strong wood make it an effective windbreak, protecting properties and landscapes from strong winds.
- Erosion Control: The root system helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or areas with loose soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zelkova carpinifolia wood is durable and resistant to water, making it suitable for constructing outdoor furniture and garden structures.
- The dense wood of Zelkova carpinifolia is excellent for woodturning projects and can be used to create ornamental objects and intricate turned bowls.
- As a slow-burning wood, it can be used for firewood, providing long-lasting heat in wood stoves and fireplaces.
- The tree's spreading root system makes it useful for soil stabilization on slopes and riverbanks to prevent erosion.
- Its resistance to wind makes Zelkova carpinifolia an excellent windbreak tree, especially in rural landscapes and farms.
- The wood chips from the tree are used in landscaping and mulching, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Zelkova carpinifolia's dense foliage provides a natural shade canopy in parks and large gardens, significantly reducing the need for constructed shade structures.
- The timber can be crafted into musical instruments such as drums or woodwinds for its acoustic properties.
- Due to its interesting grain patterns, Zelkova carpinifolia wood is desirable for veneer production, applied to surfaces of lesser quality woods for decorative finishes.
- The sawdust from Zelkova carpinifolia is sometimes utilized in smoking foods, imparting a unique flavor to meats and cheeses.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Zelkova is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Zelkova is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Zelkova carpinifolia, commonly known as Caucasian Zelkova, is noted for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and grow in various soils, representing the endurance and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Strength: The sturdy trunk and branches of the Caucasian Zelkova symbolize physical and inner strength, often inspiring individuals to remain strong in difficult situations.
- Flexibility: Despite its strength, the Caucasian Zelkova is also flexible which allows it to adapt to its environment, symbolizing the importance of adaptability and bending without breaking.
- Growth: As the Caucasian Zelkova can reach a considerable height and has a spreading canopy, it symbolizes personal growth and the expansion of one's horizons.
- Community: The way the Caucasian Zelkova's branches expand and provide shade suggests interconnectedness and community, reminding us of the value of coming together and mutual support.
- Rejuvenation: The tree's ability to sprout from the stump after being cut down illustrates the theme of rejuvenation and the idea that life can begin anew even after great loss.
WaterThe Caucasian elm should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It's generally recommended to provide about 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During the growing season, check the moisture level of the soil weekly, and water accordingly if the soil is dry an inch below the surface. In the absence of rainfall, this may translate to approximately 10 gallons per week for a young tree, adjusting for size and environmental conditions. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy seasons, you may water less.
LightThe Caucasian elm thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this tree would be an area where it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day, although it can tolerate some light shade. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can impede its growth and overall health.
TemperatureThe Caucasian elm is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and can tolerate high temperatures well into the 90s°F. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 50°F and 75°F, which encourages healthy growth and vitality.
PruningPrune the Caucasian elm to remove dead, diseased, or damaged limbs, to shape the tree for aesthetics, and to promote healthy growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. For young trees, annual pruning may be necessary to establish a strong structure. For mature trees, pruning every three to five years is typically sufficient. Always use clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZelkova serrata, commonly known as Japanese Zelkova, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand in equal parts is ideal to retain moisture yet allow excess water to drain, preventing root rot.
RepottingJapanese Zelkova should be repotted every 3-5 years, with younger trees potentially requiring more frequent repotting. It's best to repot in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Zelkova prefers moderate humidity levels. Although it can tolerate some variation in humidity, maintaining a consistent environment will promote healthier growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window, ensure ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleZelkova carpinifolia, commonly known as Caucasian Zelkova, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring under suitable soil and moisture conditions. After germination, a seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile tree, growing roots, a woody stem, and leaves, a stage that can last for several years. As it matures into an adult tree, it develops a broader canopy and begins to produce flowers, which are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Following pollination, the tree produces small drupe-like fruits, each containing a seed that can be dispersed by animals or gravity. The adult Caucasian Zelkova can continue to grow and reproduce for several decades, potentially reaching a notable size and exhibiting considerable resistance to drought and disease. Over time, as the tree ages, it enters the senescence phase, where growth slows, and it may become more susceptible to environmental stresses, eventually leading to its death.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Zelkova carpinifolia, commonly known as Caucasian Zelkova, is typically propagated using methods like seed, cuttings, or grafting. However, one of the most popular methods is through seed propagation which takes place in the late winter or early spring. To propagate Caucasian Zelkova from seed, one should first collect the seeds in the autumn when they ripen, following that, the seeds usually require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, which involves mixing the seeds with a slightly moist medium like sand or peat and refrigerating them for about 1-3 months at temperatures around 34-41°F (1-5°C). After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in a cold frame or greenhouse until they germinate and grow strong enough to be transplanted outdoors, which often occurs after the last frost when conditions are milder.
