<i>Zelkova </i>tree named ‘ZSMTF’

Abstract

A new and distinct Zelkova serrata tree named ‘ZSMTF’ is disclosed, characterized by uniquely dense foliage and a distinctive red Fall foliage color. Trees have been observed to have good heat tolerance in the Southern United States. The new variety is a Zelkova tree, typically used as an ornamental tree.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Zelkova serrata tree named ‘ZSMTF’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates a row of field trees of the new variety during early Summer.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the foliage, of the new variety and a comparator. Foliage of the new variety is on the left; foliage of the comparator ‘ZSFK’ is on the right.

(3) All trees illustrated are field grown in Washington, Ga. Trees in FIG. 1 are approximately 3 years from planting into the field, 4 years old from grafting.

(4) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(5) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘ZSMTF’ plants grown outdoors and in a nursery in Washington, Ga. Plants are approximately 2 years old, in a 3 gallon nursery container. Temperatures ranged from 5° C. to 10° C. at night to 18° C. to 27° C. during the day. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Zelkova serrata ‘ZSMTF’.

PROPAGATION

(6) Cleft grafting. Root description: Woody. Brown roots not accurately measured with an R.H.S. Colour Chart.

PLANT

(7) Growth habit: Deciduous tree with a narrow canopy. Height: Approximately 12 feet at 3 years. Spread: Approximately 4 feet at 3 years. Aspect and angle: About 45 degrees from center. Growth rate: Rapid. Trunk characteristics: Diameter.—About 2.5 inches measured at approximately 3 inches above soil level at 3 years. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Green 198C blotched near Gray 201A. Surface texture.—Rough, bark not yet formed. Lenticels present.—Yes. Inconspicuous, round. Lenticel length.—About 0.5 mm. Lenticel diameter.—About 0.5 mm. Lenticel density.—Very dense. Lenticel color.—Near RHS Gray 201A. Branch characteristics: Length.—Average Range 30 to 65 cm. Diameter.—Average 7 mm. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Green 197B.

FOLIAGE

(8) Leaf: Leaf emergence.—Mid-April in Georgia. Arrangement.—Alternate. Shape.—Broad Elliptic. Average length.—Approximately 7 cm excluding petiole. Average width.—Approximately 3 cm. Apex.—Acuminate. Base.—Rounded tapered. Margin.—Serrate. Texture of top surface.—Glabrous. Texture of lower surface.—Glabrous. Color.—Young foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Green 137C flushed Greyed-Orange N167C. Under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A flushed Yellow-Green N144A. Mature foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Green 137A. Under side: Near RHS Green 137D. Fall foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Red 180A, slightly flushed Red 53A. Under side: Near RHS Greyed-Red 180A. Venation.—Type: Pinnate. Color(mature): Venation color upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B. Venation color under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144A. Petiole.—Length: Average 5 to 9 mm. Diameter: Average 2 mm. Texture: Glabrous. Color: Upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144C. Under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144C.

FLOWER

(9) Not observed.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(10) Not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(11) Fruit/seeds: Not observed to date. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to normal diseases and pests of Zelkova has been observed. Drought resistance: No observed tolerance for drought to date. Typically Zelkova can become drought tolerant when well established. Temperature tolerance: USDA Zones 5 through 8. Observed tolerant of hot Summer conditions in Georgia. Fruits/nuts: Not observed.