Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree) is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan. Katsura trees are a popular bonsai species due to their smaller leaves and fabulous autumn colour. During autumn their leaves emit a smell like caramel or cotton candy as they fall. This species is often grown ornamentally in parks and gardens across Europe and the United States. Katsura Trees and their scent, have become a feature of New York’s Central Park during October.
In Japan, it is grown for its fine wood which is used in woodworking and construction.
It is also widely known as the Caramel Tree.
Growth
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is an ideal feature tree that grows to heights up to 45 metres (145 feet). Katsura trees enjoy moist, well-draining soils in cold, temperate, and sub-tropical climates. During dormancy, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C / -5°F. Katsura Trees are rarely grown in hotter climates as they dry out too easily and drop their leaves.
Male and female flowers grow on separate trees, are unspectacular and usually last around one or two weeks. Both are necessary to produce seed. The heart-shaped leaves are their main feature as they display colours ranging from green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and red in a random fashion. Often the colours overlap which adds to the beauty of the tree.
Katsura seedlings grow quickly for the first three to four years and then slowly thereafter. They enjoy full sun, though young trees will appreciate shade in the afternoon during hot summer days.
The roots are shallow and often grow above the surface so mulching around the base is recommended.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cercidphyllaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 30°C / -5 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, rich and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 45 metres (145 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 5 metres (18 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees
MATURITY:
12-20 years for seeds.
GERMINATION RATES:
40-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 10 days, germination from 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILTY:
Cold Storage in fridge (4°C), 1 year
FACTS ABOUT CERCIDIPHYLLUM JAPONICUM (Katsura Tree)
Katsura trees can take up to 20 years to reach seed maturity but will start emitting their famous caramel smell from the first autumn.
Katsura tree seeds were introduced to the United States around 1865 by an American diplomat; whose brother owned a nursery in New York. The seeds were planted in the borough of Queens and some of these trees still stand today.
Specimens of the tree can be found in New York’s Central Park, the New York Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Botonical Gardens and the Holden Arboretum in Ohio, USA.
