Zelkova is native to Japan and China and often grown as an alternative for American elm, due to its resistance to Dutch elm disease. Its low maintenance requirements and its ability to tolerate air pollution make it a desirable street tree. It reaches a height of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 50 to 80 feet.

Zelkova produces small green flowers in the spring and can display good color in the fall. U. City foresters have planted Zelkovas throughout the city as an alternative to disease prone American elm.