Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Buy Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Also Known As

Katsura

Plant type

tree

size

H: 40'-60'
W: 20'-35'

planting zones

4a-9b

1 gallon | $49

Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

Fewer than 7 at Forestfarm

More Options

Cercidiphyllum japonicum plant details

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with blue and green foliage. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Plant type: tree
Plant family: cercidiphyllaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 20 FT - 35 FT - wide, 40 FT - 60 FT - tall
Uses: fall color, fragrant, heart-shaped leaves, shade tree, street tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cercidiphyllum japonicum

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The wonderful 'secret' of this medium to large wide-spreading shade tree is that it emits the most delightful fragrance of caramel, the scent comes from the heart-shaped leaves, reddish-pink in spring, green in summer and yellow-orange in fall; truly a magical tree. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Katsura Tree is grown primarily for its gorgeous leaves which are softly rounded and often heart shaped, similar in appearance to Redbud (Cercis) trees. The leaves are very colorful throughout the year with new foliage often tinted with scarlet red against light green in the spring. In the summer the leaves turn lime green before developing bright yellow and orange in the fall. As the trees mature the bark exfoliates for added winter interest. Trees are fairly quick growing and establish a nice sized tree in only a couple of years under ideal conditions. Katsura Trees prefer regular irrigation during dry periods and do best when given some protection from hot afternoon sun in very hot, dry climates (the southwest).

By: Red Panda Nursery

Deciduous, upright tree with lovely small, heart-shaped leaves. At maturity can be pyramidal to wide-spreading. Very attractive tree with delicate leaves, great fall color, and fantastic overall appearance! Growth Rate fast, 2' annually

By: Garden World

Perhaps Japan's largest shade tree, normally multi- trunked Katsura manifests a gracious symmetry; trained to a single trunk it provides a narrower, almost columnar shape. Its dappled shade is a cordial host for Corylopsis. Grows moderately to rapidly. Large Band.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

This hardy, medium-sized tree is truly distinctive. Heart-shaped leaves attract interest, changing from translucent bronze in spring, to summer green, to yellow and apricot-orange in autumn. Multi-trunked specimen trees with shaggy bark have eye-catching appeal. Throughout the seasons, it is among the most appealing of any hardy landscape tree. Dr. Mike Dirr names it his personal favorite. These liners are exceptional, with a strong central leader.

By: Heritage Seedlings

Heart-shaped leaves emerge red-purple and turn bluish green. Yellow-orange fall. USDA zones 4 to 8.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Royal Horticulture Society Plant of Merit Award and they featured it as the October Plant of the Month in 2007 which is appropriate since it's at it's best in Fall with leaves of yellow, orange, reds and pinks which are most spectacular in Acid soil. However, it's also beautiful in spring when leaves emerge reddish purple, maturing to medium green with a slight bluish tinge. An unusual but easy to grow, medium size shade tree. This ancient treasure has been on earth for many millions of years! The dying leaves in Fall emit the powerful and pleasant fragrance of caramelized sugar, apples or cinnamon! See comment below! Discovered in Japan but originally from China.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Native to Japan, this adaptable tree grows to about 50' in cultivation. Though most are single trunked, many have multiple stems clothed with beautiful hanging, small rounded leaves, providing color in three seasons. In spring the leaves emerge a shimmery mass of ruby tints. They turn a teal green in summer and put on a gorgeous show of orange, red and yellow in the fall. Katsuras need some protection from sun and wind to show their best.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum plant details

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cercidiphyllum japonicum

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Garden photo gallery of Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Gardening facts about Cercidiphyllum japonicum plant

How to Grow Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Sun Exposure

Water Needs

Soil Needs

Special Situation

Features

Foliage Color

Foliage Season

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Cercidiphyllum for your garden

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Heronswood Globe'

Plant Type

Zones

Size

Cercidiphyllum japonicum Red Fox

Plant Type

Zones

Size

Cercidiphyllum magnificum

Plant Type

Zones

Size

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Morioka Weeping'

Plant Type

Zones

Size

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Raspberry'

Plant Type

Zones

Size

Mailing List

Need Help

Quick Links

Ordering Plants

For Contributors

Company info