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. It is a medium-size deciduous tree that has a full, dense, pyramidal habit when young and great variability with age including low stiff arching branches.  The bark is shaggy on old trunks, with loose ends. Members of the Cercidiphyllum genus produce 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'.

Plant this tree in the full sun in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil and it requires ample water for establishment.  New leaves are reddish purple, mature to green and then the leaves turn apricot yellow in the fall before falling off.  The decaying fall leaves smell like caramel/burnt sugar or cotton candy.  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.  It is great for large spaces like parks, golf courses, commercial sites or as a street tree;

Quick ID Hints:

• Tree, fall foliage fragrant, apricot-yellow
• Leaves opposite, heart-shaped

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insects or disease problems.  Drought and wind can stress this tree.  It has poor leaf color in alkaline soils.  It can be difficult to transplant.    

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.