• Japanese Grey Bark Elm bonsai tree with autumn-colored leaves on a green background. (Zelkova serrata)
  • Large green Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree in front of a building with stone facade
  • Large Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree with orange autumn leaves in a park setting
  • Close-up of green leaves on a Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree
  • Japanese Grey Bark Elm bonsai tree in a pot on a wooden surface with a white background. (Zelkova serrata)
  • Autumn scene with red Japanese Grey Bark Elm trees in a park
  • Large Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree trunk with textured bark in a natural setting. (Zelkova serrata)
  • Japanese Grey Bark Elm bonsai tree with vibrant orange leaves in a greenhouse setting
  • Traditional Japanese wooden shrine with red lanterns under a large Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree. (Zelkova serrata)
  • Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree with autumn leaves against a clear blue sky
  • Japanese Grey Bark Elm bonsai tree in a pot on display in an outdoor setting with a building in the background.
  • Large Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree with a hollow trunk in an urban setting
  • Large Japanese Grey Elm Bark tree with people at its base in a park-like setting
  • Large green Japanese Grey Bark Elm tree in a park with grass and other trees in the background. (Zelkova serrata)
1 14

Japanese Grey Bark Elm Tree Seeds (Zelkova serrata) Fast Growing Japanese Zelkova | Grey Bark Shade & Bonsai Tree

Japanese Grey Bark Elm Tree Seeds (Zelkova serrata) Fast Growing Japanese Zelkova | Grey Bark Shade & Bonsai Tree

$8.95 USD
$8.95 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Japanese Grey Bark Elm Tree Seeds (Zelkova serrata)

The Zelkova serrata, commonly known as Japanese Zelkova or Japanese Grey Bark Elm, is a fast-growing deciduous ornamental tree admired for its graceful vase-shaped form, smooth gray bark, attractive foliage, and excellent bonsai potential. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, this elegant tree is closely related to true elms while offering improved disease resistance and ornamental value.

Japanese Zelkova develops into a broad upright canopy that can eventually reach impressive heights under ideal conditions. The finely serrated dark green leaves create dense summer shade before transforming into beautiful golden-yellow fall color. In early spring, small green flowers emerge before the foliage unfolds, later producing small wafer-like seed structures that attract birds and wildlife.

One of the most valued features of this species is its smooth gray bark and naturally refined branching habit, making it a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts. Its vigorous growth, shallow spreading root system, and adaptability make it especially suitable for broom-style, forest-style, and root-over-rock bonsai forms.

This hardy ornamental tree performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and moderate watering. Once established, it is relatively adaptable and tolerant of urban conditions, making it useful for landscapes, parks, streetscapes, and specimen planting.

🌱 Growing & Care Information

Light: Full sun to mostly sunny conditions
Soil: Well-draining soil
Water: Moderate to low once established
Growth: Very fast-growing deciduous shade tree
Climate: Cool to temperate regions

This species adapts exceptionally well to pruning and shaping for bonsai cultivation.

🌿 Why Grow Japanese Grey Bark Elm?

• Fast-growing ornamental shade tree
• Smooth attractive gray bark
• Excellent bonsai species
• Beautiful yellow fall foliage
• Elegant vase-shaped growth habit
• Wildlife-friendly seed production
• Hardy adaptable landscape tree
• Ideal for broom-style bonsai forms

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

Grey Elm Germination:

1) Soak the seeds in slightly hot water for one to two days. Using a thermos works best to keep the water warm.

2) After soaking, place the seeds in a zip lock bag mixed with "Damp" peat moss or vermiculite. Place the seeds for 60 days in the vegetable crisper part of a refrigerator. Check periodically to be sure it doesn't dry out. Keep it moist, but Never wet.

3) Plant them 1/8 inch deep in sterile garden soil. Use a heated propagator mat to keep the soil at a temperature of 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

4) Be sure to keep the soil moist, and expect germination in 1-2 months.

 

Germinación del olmo gris:

1) Remoje las semillas en agua ligeramente caliente durante uno o dos días. El uso de un termo funciona mejor para mantener el agua tibia.

2) Después de remojarlas, coloque las semillas en una bolsa con cierre hermético mezclada con turba "húmeda" o vermiculita. Coloque las semillas durante 60 días en el cajón de verduras del refrigerador. Revísela periódicamente para asegurarse de que no se seque. Manténgala húmeda, pero nunca mojada.

3) Plántelas a 1/8 de pulgada de profundidad en tierra de jardín esterilizada. Use una estera de propagación calentada para mantener la tierra a una temperatura de 68 a 75 grados Fahrenheit.

4) Asegúrese de mantener la tierra húmeda y espere la germinación en 1 o 2 meses.

View full details