Katsura Tree – Cercidiphyllum japonicum

General:  The Katsura tree is native to Japan and China. It is deciduous, and can be single or multi-trunked, with a dense, rounded habit that grows generally 40-60’ tall in cultivation, but has been known to reach 100’ or more in the wild.

Leaves:  Cordate, round-oval leaves (to 4” long) looking similar to redbud, Cercis. Leaves will emerge reddish purple in the spring, then mature to a medium green with a slight bluish tinge in summer and turn gold, orange and red in fall.

Flowers:  Quite small and are red on male trees and green on female trees, appear in spring before the foliage but are not particularly showy.

Fruits: Develop as clusters of greenish pods about 3/4″ long.

Bark:  Grey and rough, providing interest in the winter months.

Attributes:  Grown for its somewhat unique foliage, and beautiful, natural shape.