Katsura Tree
Plant Type:
Deciduous tree
Botanical Name:
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Hardiness:
USDA Zones 4 to 8
If the wonderful habit of this beautiful tree isn't enough to recommend it, perhaps it's the clean foliage that turns yellow and soft-orange in autumn. Mature size is 40 to 60 feet tall and a variable width, usually (but not always) narrower than the height. The tree begins life more pyramidal, then gradually assumes some girth in its canopy. Leaves are roundish, 2 to 4 inches long and wide; they emerge reddish-purple, turning to blue-green as they mature.
Culture:
Give this tree full sun in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Katsuratree adapts to alkaline soils but seems to have better fall color in acid soil.
How to Use It:
As a beautiful shade tree for the lawn.
Selected Cultivars:
- 'Heronswood Globe'. An unusual compact form introduced by Heronswood Nursery a couple of decades ago but still pretty hard to find in the marketplace. Forms a round, dense canopy, and the ultimate size of the tree is said to be 15 feet tall and almost as wide.
- 'Pendula'. A weeping form, 15 to 25 feet tall.