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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Katsura tree
(Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Also Known As
Katsura tree, Katsura, Cercidiphyllum, Japanese cercidiphyllum
About This Plant
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan and China. It is known for its heart-shaped leaves and its unique fragrance. The leaves are green in the summer and turn a beautiful yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring that are followed by small, winged fruits.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
Light Requirements
Cercidiphyllum japonicum prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hot climates it should be planted in a location that receives afternoon shade.
Humidity Needs
Cercidiphyllum japonicum prefers moderate humidity levels.
Fertilizing Schedule
The tree does not require fertilizer, but it will benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning Guidelines
Cercidiphyllum japonicum should be pruned in the winter while it is dormant. It can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove any dead or diseased wood.
Common Pests and Diseases
The tree is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and canker.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor growth
Watering Schedule
The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought.
Temperature Range
The tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cool summers and mild winters.
Growing Season
The growing season for Cercidiphyllum japonicum is from spring to fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is moderately difficult to grow. It requires consistent moisture and is sensitive to heat and drought.
USDA Hardiness Zones
USDA hardiness zones 4-8
Did You Know?
The leaves of Cercidiphyllum japonicum give off a unique fragrance that is often compared to the smell of burnt sugar or cotton candy. This fragrance is most pronounced when the leaves are crushed or when the tree is in the process of losing its leaves in the fall.
