Japanese Cedar Cryptomeria japonica 'Little Champion'

Names

• Family

  Cupressaceae.

• Synonyms

  Japanese Cedar, Sugi.

• Common names

  Cryptomeria japonica 'Little Champion'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Japanese cedar 'Little Champion' is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants, ingesting parts of the Japanese cedar in large amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. There is also a chance of an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals, especially those who are allergic to related plants, but this is not the norm for general contact or casual handling. It is always advisable to exercise caution and prevent the ingestion of plant parts by children or adults, as individual reactions may vary.

• To pets

  Japanese cedar 'Little Champion' is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant might result in mild gastrointestinal upset for some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. But there is no widespread evidence of serious toxicity in pets like cats and dogs. As with any non-food plant material, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting parts of the plant to avoid any potential digestive troubles. If your pet does consume a considerable amount of Japanese cedar and shows adverse reactions, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)

• Spread

  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Japan

General Benefits

• Compact Size: 'Little Champion' is a dwarf cultivar, ideal for small gardens and spaces with limited room.
• Ornamental Appeal: Its unique shape and fine, dense foliage add aesthetic value to landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: This variety requires minimal pruning and care once established.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Cold Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage, keeping gardens lively during dull winter months.
• Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
• Soil Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cryptomeria japonica 'Little Champion', also known as Japanese Cedar, can be used as bonsai specimens due to their smaller size and compact growth habit, making them ideal for the art of miniature tree cultivation.
• The wood of Japanese Cedar is aromatic and can be used in the creation of small craft items such as boxes or chests, which can impart a pleasant scent to items stored within them.
• Japanese Cedar can be used in educational settings for teaching about conifer growth, plant anatomy, and plant care, as they are an accessible example of a coniferous tree.
• The fibrous bark of Japanese Cedar has been traditionally used in Japan for making ropes or in textile arts for creating handcrafted items with a distinctive texture.
• Juvenile foliage from Japanese Cedar can be used in floral arrangements, providing a soft, feathery green contrast to other flowers or decorative elements.
• Due to its dense foliage, Japanese Cedar can be planted as a privacy screen or hedge in gardens, offering an aesthetically pleasing and natural barrier.
• The sawdust and shavings from Japanese Cedar woodworking can be used as mulch for garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Japanese Cedar needles, when fallen, can be collected and used as a natural potpourri or as an addition to compost piles, because of their slow decomposition rate and rich carbon content.
• As a sound barrier, the dense foliage of Japanese Cedar can help reduce noise pollution when planted along roads or in urban areas.
• Aesthetically, the unique, twisting growth pattern of 'Little Champion' can be used for ornamental topiary art, displaying creativity in shaping and trimming hedges in gardens and landscapes.

Feng Shui

The Japanese Cedar is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Japanese Cedar is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Endurance: The Cryptomeria, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree which represents endurance due to its long lifespan and ability to withstand various climates.
• Longevity: Reflecting its potential to live for hundreds of years, the Japanese Cedar symbolizes longevity, often associated with a long and prosperous life.
• Sanctity: In its native land, Japan, the Cryptomeria is often found in sacred groves and Shinto shrines, symbolizing sanctity and a connection to the spiritual world.