Katsura Tree

Learn more about the Katsura tree's environment.

Related To:

Cercidiphyllum japonicum  (04) Habit

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (04) Habit

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (04)

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.

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