Zelkova carpinifolia 'Verschaffeltii'

There is uncertainty about the origins of Zelkova carpinifolia ‘Verschaffeltii’ (Verschaffeltii elm). The selection was likely first described in 1877 as an Ulmus on account of its similarities with such, but in 1892 it was named by German botanist Leopold Dippel as Zelkova japonica var. verschaffeltii after the Belgian botanist Ambroise Verschaffelt. The tree had previously been considered a hybrid cross, but according to genetic research it was established that it has a lot in common with Zelkova carpinifolia. Cultivar ‘Verschaffeltii’ does however remain much smaller and ultimately forms a small tree or large multi-stem of approximately eight to ten metres tall and the same across. Zelkova carpinifolia ‘Verschaffeltii’ grows slowly and forms a heavily branched crown with thick stems and heavy side branches which eventually become wide vase-shaped to rounded. 

Zelkova carpinifolia ‘Verschaffeltii’ looks a lot like Zelkova carpinifolia. In the spring the rough leaves with their coarse hairy underside emerge fresh green, changing to dark green in the summer. Leaves are egg-shaped to ovoid with a serrated edge and a yellow brown autumn colour. The key characteristic difference compared with the species is the very deeply cut leaf edge which gives the foliage a very soft and cloud-like effect. The grey smooth bark does not start to flake off in platelets until it is older, revealing the orange under bark. Flowers and fruits are both green and unremarkable and only appear on fertile branches. The brown twigs are long, thin and densely haired with striking lenticels.

The Verschaffeltii elm performs best in park-like settings and gardens. The whimsical character and excellent drought tolerance also make it an ideal candidate for containers, or as a single specimen in a large courtyard garden. Zelkova carpinifolia ‘Verschaffeltii’ performs best on moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich soil in light conditions, can tolerate some wind and copes very well in paved areas.