Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) Zelkova serrata
Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) (Zelkova serrata) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Ulmaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ulmaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese zelkova (neutinamu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese zelkova (neutinamu)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese zelkova (neutinamu)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese zelkova (neutinamu)?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- Is Japanese zelkova (neutinamu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Japanese zelkova (neutinamu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese zelkova (neutinamu). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- The vase-shaped village guardian tree of Korea (dangsan namu), some over 1,000 years old; resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
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