According to their Feb. 2006 copy of Current Plantings, there are four varieties of Z. serrata (Goshiki, Ogon, Halka and Iruma Sango), plus Z. carpinifolia, Z. schneideriana and Z. sinica growing at the J C Raulston Arboretum . I will ask someone on the staff there about these when I am at JCRA next week. You might also get an opinion by calling or e-mailing the Wake County Master Gardeners at (919) 250-1084 / cmatyac@co.wake.nc.us.

Dirr recommends a variety of Z. serrata named "Green Vase" in his book entitled Hardy Trees and Shrubs.

It's the required tree along a section of The Preserve Trail near clubhouse at The Preserve at Jordan Lake. It doesn't like any damage from weed whackers, mowers, etc. around the base, but otherwise grows fine. (I don't live there anymore, but the one at my old house is doing well).

Thanks for the follow up. Maybe I will take a drive to the arboretum and the preserve to take a look.

Planted a Balled & Burlapped one years ago. It immediately fell prey to borers. We did not replace it.

HI, I want know how big this tree gets? I have read different heights and I am not sure how much room to give it? Is it a heavy shade tree? Thanks

I have a Golden Vase Zelkova that is growing like mad since planting several years ago. It has done extremely well in spite of the drought. Will try and take pictures tomorrow if possible. The main downside to the tree is that as the plant matures, it does throw seeds that can germinate in the strangest of places.

Here is a quasi-picture of it from 2006! It's the tree in the middle island in the picture.
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Another quasi-shot from earlier this year.
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nick, your gardens are gorgeous! kudos.

Thanks Tamelask, although nothing looks that good right now with the drought. The grass is scorched and a lot of the plants are holding on by a thread waiting for rain. Realized that I forgot the picture today but will try to get one tomorrow. I will try and get one from the same location so you can see the difference a long hot dry summer can make!

You might want to ask over on the Tree Forum.

I seem to recall that one (if not more) of the zelkovas are being considered for invasive status somewhere, but may be maligning a perfectly good tree and be totally wrong!

Finally got around to taking a better picture of my Zelkova tree which has been in the ground for 6 years. I googled Zelkova and invasive trees and could find no information about it being an invasive tree in our area.

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