Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' (Yoshino Japanese Cedar)

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Cryptomeria, Genus, japonica, Species, 'Yoshino', Cultivar,

Genus & species
Cultivar

Yoshino Japanese cedar

Cupressaceae Japan and parts of China

Deer Resistant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

'Yoshino' is a vigorous narrow pyramidal cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica reaching 30-40 feet (9-12 m) tall and 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) wide at 25-30 years, with growth rates of 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) per year on young plants. Foliage consists of awl-shaped needles 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) long, spirally arranged on whip-like branchlets. Color is bright blue-green from spring through autumn, transitioning to bronze-green in winter cold below 25°F (-4°C); the bronze fades back to green as temperatures warm in spring. Branches densely arranged, holding lower limbs longer than seed-grown C. japonica. Bark reddish-brown, fibrous, peeling in vertical strips on mature trunks. Pollen cones small, yellowish-brown, in clusters at branch tips in February-March, releasing high quantities of allergenic pollen typical of the species; female cones globose, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm) wide, opening to release winged seeds in autumn. Susceptible to needle blight (Pestalotiopsis or Cercosporidium) on stressed plants and to ice damage on the columnar form. Generally pest-tolerant.

Native Range

The species Cryptomeria japonica is native to Japan and parts of China, where it grows in mountain forests on humid temperate slopes. Naturalized populations exist in the Azores. The cultivar 'Yoshino' was selected for vigorous columnar form and improved winter color, and is widely planted across the southeastern United States.

Suggested Uses

Used as a specimen, in screens, and in mass plantings, with mature spread of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). Spaced 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) apart in screens. Tolerates the humid summers of the southeastern United States and is planted as a substitute for Picea and Abies species that struggle in that region.

How to Identify

Identified by narrow pyramidal habit, awl-shaped spirally arranged needles 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) long, and reddish-brown peeling bark on mature trunks. Foliage bright blue-green in summer and bronze-green in winter. Cones globose and woody, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm) wide, separating the species from Sequoiadendron (giant sequoia), which has larger cones 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) long.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 40'

Width/Spread15' - 20'

Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Flowers: February–March

Winter

Cryptomerias produce wind-pollinated cones rather than flowers. Male pollen cones develop in clusters at branch tips in late winter, releasing high quantities of yellow pollen in February-March; pollen is a major hay-fever allergen in Japan. Female cones develop in spring, mature within one growing season, and reach 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm) wide before opening to release winged seeds in autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

blue-green in summer, bronze-green in winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 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 Range4.5 - 6.5 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Establish in moist, well-drained acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.5) with full sun to part sun exposure of at least 4 hours direct sun daily. Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons; established plants need supplemental water during summer drought to avoid foliage browning. Tolerates humid summer heat better than most northern conifers and is widely planted in the southeastern United States in zones 6-9. Bronze winter color is expected and reverses with spring warming. Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) feed on foliage in some regions. Pollen release in February-March is heavy and can aggravate allergies in sensitive individuals.

Pruning

Cryptomerias regenerate poorly from old wood; pruning is limited to removal of dead, broken, or diseased branches at any time of year. The narrow pyramidal form develops without training. Lower limbs may be removed for clearance on mature trees, with cuts made flush to the branch collar. Light tip pruning of new growth maintains compactness on young plants but is not required for typical landscape use.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: June–July

summer