Cercidiphyllum japonicum
katsura tree
An elegant medium-sized deciduous tree, with paired, broadly heart-shaped leaves to 10cm in length, bronze-tinted when young, and turning yellow, orange and pink in autumn, when they smell of burnt sugar; flowers and fruits are inconspicuous
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Orange Pink Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cercidiphyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cercidiphyllum are large deciduous trees with kidney-shaped to ovate leaves, often bronze when young, and colouring well in the autumn; flowers inconspicuous
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in a woodland setting; the leaves may be damaged by late frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed, basal or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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