Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura Tree
China, Korea, Japan
Dense, broadly oval, or upright oval. Juvenile trees with low-branched form. Rapid growth rate in youth.
Full sun in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Shade tolerant. Water newly planted trees during hot, dry periods.
A tree with many beautiful attributes, Cercidiphytllum japonicum makes an impressive statement in the landscape. At maturity it forms a wide, spreading crown that provides shade for 15-20 feet. The leaves turn a bright yellow or pale orange in the fall and give off a spicy odor when they're walked upon. Some argue the leaves smell of cotton candy. Cercidiphyllum is a relatively clean tree and fairly disease and pest resistant. Numerous cultivars are available. Young specimens may need supplemental watering during hot, dry periods until it is properly established.
Opposite to subopposite, simple, 2 to 4 inch long, heart- shaped with a finely crenate margin. New leaves reddish purple, change to blue-green in summer. Fall color varies from yellow to apricot-orange.
Buds are reddish, .10 to .125 inches long, terminal absent.
Brown, shaggy with age.
Not of ornamental value
Small, .5 to .75 inch long dehiscent, banana-shaped pods; borne 2 to 4 together on a short stalk (spur).
Seed.
'Pendula' - Mound of gracefully weeping branches 15 to 25 feet.
Related Species: C. magnificum 'Pendula' Similar to C. J. 'Pendula' but growing to approximately to' high with a distinct weeping habit whereas C. j 'Pendula' requires staking to reach 10 feet.
