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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

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cercidiphyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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