Cercidiphyllum japonicum, katsura
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

katsura

CercidiphyllaceaeJapan and central China

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Maturity18 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura) is a large deciduous tree native to Japan and China, prized as one of the finest ornamental trees for Pacific Northwest gardens for its refined multi-season interest and near-complete absence of serious pest or disease problems. It reaches 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) wide, typically developing a broadly pyramidal to rounded crown, often with multiple ascending trunks on mature specimens. The leaves are heart-shaped to broadly rounded, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across, arranged opposite on long branches but appearing whorled on short spur shoots — superficially resembling Cercis (redbud) but with finely crenate (scalloped) margins. Leaves emerge warm pink-red in spring, mature to glaucous blue-green in summer, then turn brilliant yellow, apricot, orange, and rose-pink in fall. The crowning characteristic is the fragrance of fallen autumn leaves: as they dry and drop they emit a sweet scent of burnt sugar, caramel, or cotton candy — one of the most distinctive and beloved seasonal garden fragrances. On warm still days in October, the scent can be detected 20–30 feet from the tree. Bark on older trees becomes shaggy and furrowed, adding winter texture. Fast-growing, particularly when young and well-watered; 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) per year is possible. Great Plant Picks endorsed.

Native Range

Native to Japan and central China in moist montane forests, frequently along stream banks and in valley bottoms at low to moderate elevations. The moist, cool growing conditions of its native habitat parallel Pacific Northwest lowland conditions closely, explaining its outstanding performance in the region.

Suggested Uses

One of the most highly recommended ornamental trees for Pacific Northwest gardens — Great Plant Picks endorsed. Exceptional as a specimen in residential gardens, parks, and streetscapes where the multi-season display (spring pink leaf emergence, summer blue-green canopy, autumn caramel fragrance and color) can be fully appreciated. Particularly effective near seating areas, patios, and garden paths where the fall caramel fragrance can be enjoyed at close range. Suitable as a large street tree in wide planting strips with supplemental irrigation. Combines well with shade-tolerant underplantings. Allow 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) of horizontal clearance for mature width.

How to Identify

Identified by heart-shaped to broadly rounded leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with finely crenate (scalloped) margins — not the entire (smooth) margins of Cercis canadensis. Leaves are opposite on long stems and in pairs on short spur shoots; the spur shoot arrangement is characteristic of the genus. The sweet caramel-cotton candy fragrance of drying fallen leaves in October is the most memorable identification feature. Shaggy, furrowed gray-brown bark on mature multi-trunked specimens. Inconspicuous red flowers in early spring before leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 18 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange
pink

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Tiny inconspicuous red flowers appear in March through April directly on bare branches before leaf-out — the tree is dioecious (separate male and female trees), but flowers are not ornamentally significant on either sex. Female trees produce small, curved, bean-like seed capsules in fall. The fragrant caramel-scented falling leaves in October are the primary sensory feature of the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red (inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

pink-red emerging in spring; blue-green in summer; yellow, apricot, orange, and rose-pink in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsiltclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Provide consistent soil moisture — katsura's greatest vulnerability is drought stress, which causes leaf scorch and premature defoliation and also reduces the caramel fall fragrance. Mulch generously over the root zone, 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) from the drip line inward (keeping clear of the trunk), to maintain soil moisture and cool root temperatures. Plant in full sun to part shade; afternoon shade protection is beneficial in hot inland sites. Prefers well-drained to moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Fast-growing when consistently watered — establish young trees with regular irrigation through the first 3–5 years. Once established with a deep root system, drought tolerance improves, but this tree always performs best with reliable moisture. No significant pests or diseases.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required; katsura develops excellent natural form without intervention. Prune in summer (June through August) or early fall if needed — avoid late winter through spring pruning as wounds may bleed somewhat. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at the branch collar. Multi-stemmed specimens are the most common and most attractive form; if a single-trunk standard is desired, select one leader early and remove co-dominant stems while the tree is young. Large specimens should not have major limbs removed unnecessarily.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic