Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(Katsura Tree)

Origin:  Native to China
Family:  Cercidiphyllaceae
Light:  Full sun
Height:  >40'
Spacing:  25-30'
Blooms:  Red, mid-Spring
Foliage:  Aromatic, deciduous, heart-shaped,  purple-red to green with blue tinge in Spring turning to red, orange and yellow in Fall
Seedpods:  Green, matures when ripe with flat brown seeds
Soil:  Well-drained, acid to neutral, moist
Water:  Moderate
Uses:  Ornamental, landscape, Fall interest, shade, privacy screen
Propagation:  Seeds

Descriptions:  Cercidiphyllum japonicum or Katsura Tree is a rare ancient ornamental medium size shade tree.  It is a native of China.  In mid-Spring, it produces red blossoms followed later by green seedpods which turn brown when ripe and flat brown seeds were released which self-sowed readily.  Cercidiphyllum japonicum performs best in a sunny location.  It enjoys temperate climate and cannot tolerate drought.   Prune when young for a single-trunked tree.  Fertilize Katsura Tree in Spring and Fall for optimum growth.  Mulch well to preserve moisture.  In Spring, the foliage of Cercidiphyllum japonicum turns from reddish purple to green with  a tinge of blue.  In the Fall, the leaves change to striking shades of yellow, orange and red at the same time emitting a wonderful, aromatic scent of caramelized sugar.  In China and Japan, Katsura Tree is mainly cultivated for its soft white wood popularly sought for the manufacture of wood paneling and cabinets.  This delightful pyramidal-shaped fossil tree is prized for its fabulous foliage.  Cercidiphyllum japonicum is an excellent choice for a shade tree.

USDA Zones:  4-9