Coniferous Trees
Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata'
Japanese Crested Cedar
Cupressaceae
Japan and central-southern China (cultivar)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height10–20 feet (3–6 m)
Width6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)
Maturity20 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow
Overview
Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' is a medium-sized, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, a cultivar of Japanese cedar exhibiting fasciation — a developmental mutation in which the growing tip flattens and widens, producing broad, fan-shaped, cockscomb-like crested branch tips. 'Cristata' means 'crested.' Trees grow 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide at a moderate rate of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year, maintaining a broadly conical to irregular crown. The crested branch tips are flat, broad, and undulating — 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) wide at the growing tip, contrasting with the otherwise normal awl-shaped, spirally arranged needles on the non-fasciated portions of each branch. Degree of fasciation varies by branch and by season; some branches revert to normal growth. Foliage is dark green, bronzing in cold winters and recovering green in spring. Reddish-brown fibrous bark exfoliates in vertical strips. Small globular cones 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) with hooked scales. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' is a cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica, native to mountain forests of Japan and central-southern China. The fasciated form was selected from a natural mutation occurring in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' is planted as a specimen conifer in Pacific Northwest gardens and conifer collections where the fasciated branch tips provide visual interest at close viewing distance. The moderate size (10–20 ft / 3–6 m) suits medium to large residential settings. Educational value: fasciation as a developmental mutation; comparison with non-crested Cryptomeria cultivars.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Flower Colors
brown
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
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J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
inconspicuous; globular brown cones 0.5–1 inchFoliage Description
dark green; bronzes in cold winters, recovering green in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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 Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15–20 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Consistent moisture during the first two to three growing seasons. Tolerates brief drought once established. Performs well in Pacific Northwest maritime climate. Mulch the root zone to maintain soil moisture. The fasciation character is maintained through vegetative propagation — plants grown from seed may not exhibit crest. Degree of fasciation varies by plant and conditions; this is inherent to the cultivar.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain form. Remove dead branches in late spring. Lower branches may be removed to expose the ornamental bark. Do not shear. Reverting non-crested branches may be removed if desired, though this is not necessary.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
O
N
D
late spring