Trees

Zelkova serrata 'Musashino'

Musashino Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata 'Musashino', labelled here under the probably corrupted name 'Iruma Sango', is the most strictly fastigiate Keyaki, and has been used for many years as a street tree in Japan. Arboretum Wespelaar (Acc number BUL 06155), Haacht, Belgium. 27 August 2017. Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tightly upright branches create a narrow vase-shaped canopy with fine green foliage. Its vertical form suits sites where a broad shade tree would crowd neighboring features, while leaves turn yellow in autumn. It still becomes a tall tree, so allow unobstructed space overhead.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 45 ft. · Width: 15 ft.
Water: Moderately moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 minimum

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Very narrow upright vase
Use: Narrow street tree; architectural specimen
Growth rate: Moderate to fast species-level rate
Fruit / litter: Small inconspicuous dry fruits; seasonal leaves.
Major issues: Tight branch attachments can require structural pruning; generally resistant to Dutch elm disease.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Moon Nurseries lists deer tolerance, but extension species guidance does not rate zelkova resistant; browsing remains possible.
Drought: Species tolerates dry periods once established.
Wet soil: Requires drainage; avoid persistently wet sites.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous
Fall color: Yellow

Growing & care

Pruning: Train a strong central framework and widely spaced main branches while young; inspect tight branch unions.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged ground.

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

University of Minnesota Extension

NC State Extension

moonnurseries.com

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Zelkova serrata 'Musashino', labelled here under the probably corrupted name 'Iruma Sango', is the most strictly fastigiate Keyaki, and has been used for many years as a street tree in Japan. Arboretum Wespelaar (Acc number BUL 06155), Haacht, Belgium. 27 August 2017. Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.