What is another name for the Katsura tree?
Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as the katsura, is a species of flowering tree in the family Cercidiphyllaceae native to China and Japan. It is sometimes called caramel tree for the light caramel smell it emits during leaf fall. KATSURA Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as Katsura, from its Japanese name カツラ, 桂, in family Cercidiphyllaceae native to China and Japan: aka caramel tree for the light caramel smell it emits during fall, aka candyfloss tree because of the scent.The Katsura is a tree that smells like cotton candy, like marshmallows or freshly baked bread in autumn. Not the leaves, not the bark or the twigs, it just sort of… exudes this wonderful scent. Walking close to it is like stepping into in a cloud, a sphere just slightly parallel to the world outside.The most beautiful katsura tree varieties ‘Pendulum’: The variety known as the ‘Pendulum’ weeping katsura tree, is one of the most beautiful cultivars of Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Its delicately spreading growth with gently drooping branches create such an idyllic sight.
Where are Katsura trees found?
In its native range of Japan and China, the katsura-tree is commonly found growing in temperate forests along streambanks, rivers, and other moist but well-drained soils. Katsura trees grow well in acidic, loamy, clay and well-drained soil (hardiness zones 4-8). It is not drought tolerant, so water regularly. Medium growing tree, growing 1-2 feet a year and reaching 40-60 feet at maturity.Sensitive to heat and drought. The Katsura tree will achieve a growth of around 30cm per year. The Katsura tree can grow in soils with acidic, neutral and alkaline pH levels. The root system of the Katsura tree is shallow and far-reaching and near to the surface which will lift paving and other hardstanding materials.Katsura trees are best propagated from seeds, but they can also be grown from stem cuttings or suckers during late spring. A stem cutting is propagated from a healthy stem of softwood or semi-hardened stem. Using sterilized scissors or pruners, take a cutting 6 to 8 inches long that has four to eight leaf nodes.Katsura grows best in rich well-drained soil. Fall color and growth is best in full sun or light to open shade. It appreciates regular summer watering during dry spells, especially if the tree is in full sun or less than ideal soils.
Is Katsura a good tree?
Katsura Tree is a first-rate landscape plant with four-season interest and a fine texture. In spring, minute inconspicuous flowers bloom just before the foliage emerges with a reddish-purple color, maturing to a cool-blue green. The heart-shaped leaves turn a spectacular display of yellow and apricot in fall. The fall colors make katsura trees excellent for fall interest. The trees are dioecious, meaning that trees either have male or female flowers. The flowers themselves are tiny and red if male, green if female. Some trees give off a sugary, caramel scent in the fall as the leaves change.
Where is the best place to plant a katsura tree?
Katsura grows best in rich well-drained soil. Fall color and growth is best in full sun or light to open shade. It appreciates regular summer watering during dry spells, especially if the tree is in full sun or less than ideal soils. Sun scald and frost-cracking can be problematic in dry, hot, and/or windy sites, although Katsura Tree has no major insect or disease issues to speak of. Siting Katsura Tree properly is the most important step in ensuring a healthy, thriving landscape plant.
What are the features of the Katsura tree?
Katsuratree grows best in a sunny exposure and in a moist soil, but is considered drought-tolerant once established (Fig. The tree reaches a mature height and spread of 40 to 60 feet with a symmetrical canopy and new growth is reddish turning a light pale green. Fall color is a spectacular yellow, with some red. There are numerous wonderful versions of the katsura, including a weeping katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’). It’s very dramatic and grows from 15 to 25 feet. Other smaller varieties include Herkenrode Dwarf, Boyd’s Dwarf and Heronswood Globe. Red Fox is mid-sized, reaching 30 feet with a 16 foot spread.