Cercidiphyllum japonicum
$1,234,567.89
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a broad deciduous shade tree with heart-shaped leaves, vivid autumn color, and fallen foliage scented like burnt sugar.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Cercidiphyllum japonicum develops from a dense pyramidal young tree into a broad rounded specimen with low arching branches. Heart-shaped leaves open red-purple, mature to green, and turn layered shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink in autumn.
As the fallen foliage dries, it releases a distinctive aroma compared with burnt sugar, caramel, cinnamon, ripe apples, or cotton candy. This sensory feature joins colorful foliage and shaggy gray-brown bark to extend seasonal appeal in a street or woodland garden.
Grow it in full sun or partial shade in moist, organically rich, well-drained acid or neutral soil. Keep the root zone watered during establishment and dry weather, and shelter the foliage from strong wind. Apply organic mulch clear of the trunk and use fertilizer only after soil testing identifies a need.
Additional information
| Height | 40 ft – 60 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30 ft – 50 ft |
| Flowering months | March, April |
| Family | Cercidiphyllaceae |
| Hazardous | unknown |
| Variegated | unknown |
| Color flower spring | Green, Red |
| Aspect | East, South, West, North |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Bushy |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Round, Pyramidal |
| Suggest planting location | Pollinator Garden, Woodland Garden, Low maintenance planting, Architectural planting |
| Type | Tree |
| Use for | Architectural, Sensory, Low maintenance |
| Years to max height | 20 |
| Drought resistance | no |
| Soil | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Katsura Tree, Japanese Judas Tree |
| Usps | Heart-shaped leaves shift from red-purple to vivid autumn tones., Fallen foliage releases a distinctive burnt-sugar aroma., Full sun or partial shade and moist soil keep the foliage healthy. |
| Propagation | Propagate by seed, basal cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings. |
| Pests | Generally pest-free. |
| Diseases | Honey fungus may occur. |
| Watering instructions | Keep soil moist through establishment and during dry weather. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full sun or partial shade on any aspect. |