Zelkova serrata ‘JFS-KW1’
OK, I can’t help myself, here is another small maturing tree. It’s probably because we get so many requests for small trees at the nursery. Most people would likely mistake this tree for an elm. But somehow, the City Sprite® is in the Zelkova family. Its ultimate height is estimated at less than 25 feet with an 18 foot spread. The future will confirm this but the City Sprite® tree could end up in the category of the bullet proof vintage, like the fastigiate hornbeam but with a small vase shape. There will be high demand for this one.
The City Sprite® is a compact, dense almost dwarf landscape or street tree that appears to have brighter and tougher foliage than other typical zelkovas. This is a good single leader tree with a straight trunk. Branching is regular and attachment appears to be good, with no inclusions. Leaves are like other zelkovas or elms, so, relatively small, not messy and likely breaks down quickly in the landscape.
Fall color is yellow but in good cold crisp years may be a golden yellow brown, not outstanding but acceptable. Although not having a large crown, shade will be dense from the shadow. The winter silhouette will also be formal, dense and attractive. This tree also appears to be an easy transplanter, likely better that some of the other Zelkovas that sometimes show dieback from planting stress. It is not a fast grower but certainly not in the ginkgo category.
In many locations, in relatively small planting spaces in our cities, this will be the ideal tree, not likely to outgrow the space that so many other varieties will eventually do. Put your order in early for this one because they will go fast. Let me know if you have had any experience with the City Sprite® zelkova.
As always, let me know your experience with this tree.
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Jim Barborinas
Owner of Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist #0135
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
15119 McLean Rd.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
jim@urbanforestnursery.com
Curious how City Sprite® Zelkova fits in landscapes and streetscapes?
Here are some common questions people ask about this tree:
It’s a compact, dense, almost dwarf Zelkova with bright, tough foliage. The tree has a straight single leader and strong, well-attached branches, making it ideal for urban and small-space landscapes.
This tree reaches about 25 feet tall with an 18-foot spread. Its small vase-shaped crown provides dense shade and a formal, attractive winter silhouette.
Leaves resemble other zelkovas or elms, are small and tidy, and break down quickly. Fall color is yellow, sometimes golden yellow-brown in cool years, adding seasonal character without being overly showy.
Its compact size and predictable growth make it ideal for city planting spaces. It’s a reliable transplanter and maintains a strong, upright habit without dieback common in some Zelkovas.
City Sprite® Zelkova grows slowly but steadily. Its dense canopy, tidy leaves, and compact form make it low maintenance, perfect for small urban landscapes, streets, or tight spaces.