Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata', Japanese Crested Cedar
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 - 9
Zone 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

Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' is identified by FLATTENED, BROAD, FAN-SHAPED, COCKSCOMB-LIKE CRESTED BRANCH TIPS 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) wide — produced by fasciation of the growing tip. 'Cristata' = 'crested.' The cresting is most pronounced at actively growing tips; older portions of the same branch bear normal awl-shaped spirally arranged needles. Not all branches fasciate equally — some branches revert to normal growth. Reddish-brown fibrous exfoliating bark. Dark green foliage bronzing in cold winters.

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 weeks
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Spring
Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata' produces inconspicuous male and female cones. Male cones shed pollen in late winter to early spring (February–March). Female cones are small, globular, 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) with hooked scales, ripening brown in fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

inconspicuous; globular brown cones 0.5–1 inch

Foliage Description

dark green; bronzes in cold winters, recovering green in spring

Growing 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

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic