Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Cercidiphyllaceae
Native Range: Northeastern Asia
Leaf: deciduous, opposite or subopposite, simple, heart-shaped with round-toothed edge
Twig and Bud: twigs slender with swollen leaf nodes, buds reddish and curved toward twig
Flower, Fruit and Seed: small, red, tufted flowers bloom from leaf nodes in early spring, male and female flowers on separate trees, fruits ½ to ¾ inch pods in clusters of 2-4.
Bark: brown, slightly shaggy with loose ends on mature trees
Shape and Mature Height: pyramidal when young, shape is variable in mature trees, 40-60 feet tall
Garden Value and Considerations
Katsura trees grow in full sun to part shade. They do not tolerate drought, especially when young. Their foliage may scorch when exposed to windy, dry or hot conditions. The leaves provide a variety of color throughout the growing season. They emerge as reddish-purple in the spring, mature to a bluish-green, and by fall offer shades of gold, apricot and scarlet.
Notes
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is one of two species in the family Cercidiphyllaceae, both of which are native to Japan and China. The wood is relatively soft and used for furniture, cabinets, and paneling. The leaves have a sweet aroma often described as being similar to cotton candy or burnt sugar, which is most pronounced in autumn as the leaves fall.
