Katsura Tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Cercidiphyllum is a genus containing two species of plants, both commonly called Katsura. They are the only members of the family Cercidiphyllaceae. The genus is native to Japan and China and it is one of the largest hardwoods in Asia. Katsura is the Japanese name for the tree. Medium-size deciduous tree; bark shaggy on old trunks, with loose ends. Cercidiphyllum produces spurs along its twigs. These are short stems with closely spaced leaves.  The tree flowers in March or April and produces winged seeds. Several different cultivars are grown, including 'Aureum', 'Heronswood Globe', 'Pendula', and 'Ruby'.

The scientific name Cercidiphyllum refers to the close resemblance of the leaves to those of Cercis (redbuds) but these two unrelated genera can be distinguished easily as redbud leaves are alternate, not opposite.

Play Value: Wildlife Enhancement

Notes: Likes lots of water, decaying fall leaves scented like caramel/burnt sugar 

Seed: Pod

Form:  Pyramidal when young; full and dense; great variability with age; stiff arching branches

Quick ID Hints:

• Tree, fall foliage reddish-purple
• Leaves opposite, heart-shaped

Requires ample water for establishment; utilized in larger areas - golf courses, parks, commercial sites, occasionally a street tree; fall leaf color reddish-purple, odor of "cotton candy"; poorer color on alkaline soils. Difficult to transplant; requires rich, moist, well-drained soils; pH adaptable.