Pendulous Katsura Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum'
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cercidiphyllum magnificum f. pendulum
- Cercidiphyllum magnificum 'Pendulum'
- 'Pendula'
- Phonetic Spelling
- ser-sid-ih-FIL-um juh-PON-ih-kum
- Description
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Derived from the words Cercis, which is the redbud genus and phyllon, Greek for leaf, Weeping Katsura Tree is a grafted cultivar with a multi-trunked form with heart-shaped leaves on pendulous branches that dip downward towards the ground.. Plant in the full sun to partial shade and irrigate regularly as it is not drought resistant when young.
This long-lived tree is grown primarily for its graceful, cascading, or weeping, habit. The low canopy is only a foot or so off the ground. It makes an excellent specimen, understory tree or tree for a small space. Its form makes it a great addition to a winter garden. Protection from strong winds and afternoon sun should be provided.
It's said that in autumn the fallen leaves carry a slight scent of cinnamon, burnt sugar or ripened apples.
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The shallow root system can make grass mowing difficult.
Hot, afternoon sun as well as windy locations can scorch the foliage.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Hydrangeas in the Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cercidiphyllum
- Species:
- japonicum
- Family:
- Cercidiphyllaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Its showy foliage make this tree a great addition to the landscape.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Japan and China
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds are attracted.
- Play Value:
- Buffer
- Colorful
- Shade
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Verticillium Wilt
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Multi-trunked
- Rounded
- Weeping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Green pods, 3/4" long will appear on female trees that have been pollinated.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Dioecious, male and female flowers appear on separate plants. In March and April, insignificant red blooms appear on male trees, while green flowers can be found on female trees. They emerge before the foliage.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The heart shaped leaves emerge a red/purple in the springtime, maturing to blueish/green. The gold, orange and red fall colors add to a fall garden. The leaves are fragrant when they are yellow and falling.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Peeling
- Shaggy
- Bark Description:
- They bark is initially smooth, then peeling in strips
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Can be single or multi-trunked.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Flowering Tree
- Shade Tree
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Understory Tree
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
