Katsura Cercidiphyllum japonicum
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Katsura tree, this plant is renowned for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves which exhibit a charming variety of color throughout the seasons. In spring, the new foliage typically emerges with a lovely pinkish hue, transitioning to a vibrant green as the leaves mature. Autumn brings a dramatic change, with the leaves developing brilliant yellow, orange, and red tones before they fall, reminiscent of the striking colors of a New England fall. The Katsura tree emits a pleasant, sweet scent often likened to burnt sugar or cotton candy when the leaves turn, enhancing the sensory appeal of this elegant tree. Its bark is an attractive gray, which becomes more textured and furrowed as the tree matures. The Katsura tree has a graceful, rounded to pyramidal shape, offering a weeping form in some varieties. Its delicate branching pattern adds to its ornamental value, providing visual interest even during the winter months when the tree is leafless.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cercidiphyllaceae.
Synonyms
Katsura Tree, Japanese Judas Tree, Caramel Tree.
Common names
Cercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum (Van Geert) Rehder, Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. pendulum Van Geert, Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. roseum Rehder, Cercidiphyllum japonicum var. villosum Nakai, Cercidiphyllum magnificum Carrière, Cercidiphyllum sakuraii Masamune.
ToxicityTo humans
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of the Katsura tree. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this tree to describe.
To pets
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is also non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause any ill effects if pets ingest parts of the tree. Consequently, there are no known symptoms of poisoning from the Katsura tree in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Japan China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Katsura tree offers a beautiful display of heart-shaped leaves that change colors with the seasons, providing a picturesque landscape feature.
- Shade Provision: As a medium to large-sized deciduous tree, the Katsura tree can provide ample shade in gardens and parks, creating cooler areas for relaxation during warmer months.
- Fall Coloration: Known for its spectacular autumn foliage, the Katsura tree's leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding seasonal interest to the environment.
- Spring Flowers: Although not showy, the Katsura tree produces delicate flowers in the spring that contribute to the early season's charm in the landscape.
- Humidity Modifier: When the leaves transpire, they release moisture into the air, which can help moderate local humidity levels, especially when planted in groups.
- Cultural Significance: In Japan, the Katsura tree is valued for its cultural significance and is commonly found in traditional gardens, enhancing the historical and aesthetic value of such locations.
- Wildlife Support: The tree can provide habitat and food for wildlife such as birds and small mammals, contributing to biodiversity.
- Adaptability: The Katsura tree is adaptable to a range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it suitable for various landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Katsura tree requires relatively low maintenance, making it a practical choice for both public and private spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Tree: Cercidiphyllum japonicum, commonly known as Katsura tree, is often used in landscaping for its attractive heart-shaped leaves and shapely form.
- Autumn Garden Feature: The Katsura tree is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, which turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing seasonal interest.
- Bonsai: Due to its elegant structure and leaf shape, the Katsura tree can be trained as a bonsai, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
- Honey Plant: Katsura tree flowers can serve as a source of nectar for bees, thus contributing to honey production.
- Shade Tree: With its broad canopy, the Katsura tree can provide a significant amount of shade, making it ideal for parks and large gardens.
- Lumber: In its native range, the wood of the Katsura tree is sometimes used for small woodworking projects or as a material for making boxes.
- Education and Research: The species is used in botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide for educational purposes and plant diversity research.
- Photography and Art: Its picturesque form and stunning foliage make the Katsura tree a favorite subject for photographers and artists, especially in autumn.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in rows, the dense foliage of the Katsura can act as a sound barrier, making it practical for urban planning near noisy areas.
- Climate Change Study: The Katsura tree's responsiveness to environmental changes makes it a subject of study in climate change research, particularly its leaf coloration in relation to temperature shifts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Katsura tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Katsura tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Impermanence: The Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is known for its beautiful, heart-shaped leaves that change color and fall off as the seasons change, making it a symbol of the transient nature of life.
- Youth and Joy: With its sweet, cotton candy-like scent during the fall, the Katsura tree is often associated with the joys of youth and childhood memories.
- Femininity and Grace: The delicate appearance of its leaves and the gentle way they flutter in the breeze can symbolize femininity and grace.
- Healing and Restoration: The Katsura tree's ability to regenerate after being pruned or damaged is seen as symbolic of healing and personal growth.
WaterKatsura trees need regular watering, especially during their first few growing seasons to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the tree deeply and thoroughly, applying about 1.5 to 2 inches of water once a week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to increase watering frequency to twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the tree in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. If you're using a hose, you might roughly need 10-20 gallons per week, depending on soil conditions and weather.
LightKatsura trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer to be planted in a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, they benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves. The ideal spot would be an open area with some shelter from harsh, late-day sun.
TemperatureKatsura trees are relatively cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°F, but they grow best when the temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive summer highs up to around 85°F but should be protected from extreme heat and frost. Avoid placing your Katsura in locations where temperatures frequently swing beyond these ranges.
PruningKatsura trees may require pruning to maintain shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune judiciously to preserve the tree’s natural form, and focus on removing only the necessary branches once a year. Periodic thinning can help light and air penetrate to the inner canopy, enhancing the tree's health and growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) should be rich, moist, and well-draining, with a slight acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. You can create a soil mixture with equal parts loam, peat, and perlite or pine bark for optimum growth.
RepottingKatsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is usually not repotted as it is a large landscape tree. However, if started in a container, repot young trees every 2-3 years to encourage growth until they are planted outdoors.
Humidity & MistingKatsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally above 50%, to mimic its natural environment and promote healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in moist, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleKatsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) begins its life cycle as a seed, which typically germinates in the spring when temperatures become suitable. The seedling stage involves the emergence of the primary root and shoot, as it begins photosynthesis and develops into a young plant. As it matures into a sapling, the Katsura tree develops a woody stem and a branching structure, growing in height and girth. The tree reaches maturity in several years, depending on conditions, and begins to produce clusters of small flowers in early spring before the leaves; although not showy, the flowers are important for reproduction. Following pollination, it develops fruiting bodies that release winged seeds in autumn, which are then dispersed by wind or water. Throughout its life, the Katsura tree undergoes seasonal changes with heart-shaped leaves that display a striking foliage color transition from green to yellow, orange, or apricot tones in the fall before leaf drop, and continues this cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Cercidiphyllum japonicum, commonly known as Katsura tree, involves using softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed in late spring or early summer, when the tree's new growth is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or a propagation medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks. After successful rooting, the new Katsura tree can be transplanted into the garden.