Katsura Tree

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a graceful, deciduous shade tree admired for its heart-shaped leaves, symmetrical form, and striking fall color. Native to Japan and China, this elegant tree offers a refined presence in the landscape, combining beauty, fragrance, and structure in one dependable package.

Distinctive Features

Katsura Tree begins the season with emerging leaves tinged in bronze or purple, which mature to a soft blue-green in summer. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a vibrant display of yellow, apricot, and orange tones. When the leaves drop, they emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance reminiscent of burnt sugar or cotton candy. With a rounded to pyramidal form and strong central leader, mature trees can reach 40 to 60 feet tall and 25 to 40 feet wide, depending on site conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; prefers rich loam but tolerates clay
• Water: Moderate to high; requires consistent moisture, especially in heat
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Distinctive form, foliage, and fall color create year-round appeal
• Shade Tree: Broad canopy provides excellent coverage for lawns and gardens
• Specimen Tree: Works beautifully in large open spaces or as a centerpiece in the landscape
• Park and Campus Settings: Long-lived and adaptable to urban conditions
• Fall Interest: Glowing foliage and sweet scent offer sensory beauty

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; young trees especially benefit from regular irrigation
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove any crossing branches
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Maintain a wide mulch ring to regulate soil moisture and reduce weeds
• Protection: Avoid dry, exposed sites to prevent leaf scorch in summer

Why Choose Katsura Tree?

• Beautiful Form: Symmetrical habit adds elegance and balance to large landscapes
• Vibrant Fall Color: Bright golden-orange foliage offers seasonal drama
• Fragrant Leaves: Sweet scent in autumn adds a unique sensory experience
• Long-Lived and Reliable: A hardy tree that thrives in well-prepared soil
• Focal Point: Combines stature, grace, and seasonal flair into a standout specimen

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a timeless choice for large landscapes, offering structural beauty, fragrant fall foliage, and a soft, heart-leaved canopy that enhances any setting with quiet elegance.