tarokoensis (Hayata) Li on Taiwan which differs from the type in its smaller leaves with less deeply cut serration on the margins.

It is characterized by a short trunk dividing into many upright and erect spreading stems forming a broad, round-topped head.

The tree grows rapidly when young though the growth rate slows to medium upon middle age and maturity.

The leaves themselves are simple and ovate to oblong-ovate with serrated or crenate margins, to which the tree owes its specific epithet serrata.

The staminate flowers are shortly pedicellate and approximately 3mm in diameter, clustered in the axils of the lower leaves.

The branchlets are brownish-purple to brown.The threats to this tree include colder temperature, which often result in twig dieback.

Zelkova serrata is similar in appearance to the elms, though may be distinguished by its unwinged fruit and leaves which are symmetrical rather than uneven at their base.

[8] Zelkova serrata is planted as a lawn or park tree for its attractive bark, leaf color and vase shape.

[10] Within the United Kingdom, the Royal Horticultural Society's Plantfinder currently lists 38 suppliers for the pure species and associated varieties.

[14] The oldest of these trees are estimated to be in excess of 1,000 years in age, and are protected as natural monuments by Korean law.

[15] In 2013, the Korea Forest Research Institute announced a project to clone the zelkova, pine, and ginkgo trees that are identified as natural monuments, so their lineage will not be lost in case of disaster or death due to age.