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Extra Notes: The Katsura
is closely related to the
Magnolia family, although is has
been given a family of its
own. It is the largest of the
deciduous trees in its native
habitat, with some ancient
specimens over 150 feet tall
with trunks over 15 feet in
diameter. In cultivation it is
significantly smaller. It grows
best and has best color in full
sun, although it will tolerate
part shade. It needs a sheltered
location as its branched trunk
can split in high winds. It is
shallow rooted and only
moderately drought tolerant, and
will drop its leaves during a
prolonged dry period. Leaves can
be damaged by late frost, dry
weather, or dry winds. |
Other Cultivars/species:
The genus Cercidiphyllum
has two species, japonica and
sinense.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
‘Magnificum’ has leaves up to 5 inches
long. Weeping and dwarf varieties are
now available. Cercidiphyllum japonicum
‘Morioka Weeping’, first discovered near
Moriaka, Japan in the late 16th century,
and brought to the Arnold Arboretum in
1981, is the ancestor of the variety
‘Pendulum’, and more recently developed
‘Amazing Grace’. The roots of these
cultivars are less aggressive than the
parent species. Cercidiphyllum
japonicum ‘Rot Fuchs’, hybridized
in Germany, has a slender, columnar
growth and deep red new growth. A dwarf
variety known as ‘Heronswood Globe’ was
developed at Heronswood in the 1990’s,
and grows to 10-20 feet. A Kruckenberg
Dwarf was developed at the Raulston
Arboretum in Raleigh, NC in the 1990’s.
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Common Name:
Katsura Tree,
Burnt Sugar Tree.
Plant type:
Tree.
Family:
Cercidiphyllaceae.
Height/Spread:
15-25 feet in 10 years. 40-60 feet high and 30-50 feet wide at
maturity. The trunk tends to fork at a narrow angle, and the
branches spread horizontally in tiers.
Bark:
Strongly furrowed.
Leaves:
Heart shaped, mostly under 3 inches.
Flowers:
Inconspicuous, red, borne on the leaf spurs.
Bloom Time:
Spring.
Reproduction:
Cercidiphylum come in two sexes with different flowers. The
male trees are more upright, female trees more spreading.
The female bears small green pod-like fruit containing multiple
winged seeds.
Diseases/Pests:
Normally pest and disease free.
Hardiness:
USDA zones 4-8.
Natural Range:
Native of Japan
and China .
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Complete
Index
