
How big does a weeping katsura tree get?
Weeping Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum'): 15 to 25 feet high, with a similar to slightly greater spread, the branches of this even smaller type droop down, increasing visual interest. Is Katsura Tree fast-growing? Although listed as growing at a moderate rate, Katsura Tree is capable of rapid growth spurts in optimal conditions.
What are the different types of katsura trees?
'Red Fox' Katsura tree ( Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Rotfuchs'): Smaller variety (30 feet tall, 16-foot spread); one of the most colorful types, bearing purplish-bronze leaves in spring, greenish-bronze leaves in summer, and orange-bronze in fall 'Ruby' Katsura ( Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Ruby'): Small (30 feet tall); sports blue-purple leaves
What does a Fox katsura tree look like?
Varieties of Katsura Trees: Red Fox Katsura tree ( Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Rotfuchs'): Smaller than the species tree (30 feet tall, with a spread of 16 feet), it is one of the most colorful types, bearing purplish-bronze leaves in spring, greenish-bronze leaves in summer, and orangey-bronze fall foliage.
How long does it take for a katsura tree to grow?
Katsura trees are slow growing and may take up to 50 years to reach their full size. During this time, if the tree was planted in an appropriate soil and site, it will need very little care. Katsuras are not susceptible to many pests and they are basically disease free.

How fast does Katsura Tree grow?
Katsura trees are slow growing and may take up to 50 years to reach their full size. During this time, if the tree was planted in an appropriate soil and site, it will need very little care. Katsuras are not susceptible to many pests and they are basically disease free.
Is Katsura fast growing?
Although listed as growing at a moderate rate, Katsura Tree is capable of rapid growth spurts in optimal conditions. Some trees have been reported to grow more than 4 feet per year when given ample moisture and adequate nutrition.
How do I keep my Katsura Tree small?
Remove crossing or crowded branches. Also, you can remove low branches, no more than one or two per year, to provide clearance under the tree. After the tree is established, it should only need pruning every three to five years. Check the tree each spring, and remove any suckers or dead branches.
Is Katsura a good street tree?
Another great street tree is katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). Katsura trees grow slowly at first, but eventually can reach more than 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. In spring, newly formed heart-shaped leaves emerge deep purple before turning bluish green as summer progresses.
Do katsura trees have invasive roots?
Native: Nope, it's not a North American native, it is from China and Japan. It grows in woodlands in Japan but in China it is mainly found in open areas with rich moist soils. Wildlife value: Minimal. Not invasive.
Are katsura trees messy?
Katsura has no messy flowers, fruits or large leaves to create a maintenance problem. This is a tree that can stand some fairly moist soil. The foliage produces a wonderful chocolate aroma in the summer.
Do katsura trees smell?
It's a katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). The scent of dry leaves is one of fall's pleasures, but katsura tree leaves have a distinctively sweet smell, similar to burnt sugar, says Kris Bachtell, tree expert at The Morton Arboretum. "The scent tends to be stronger on a dry day.
When should katsura be pruned?
These trees should be pruned in fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). If needed, a few small branches can be removed in summer after the leaves have reached full size.
What does katsura smell like?
The heart-shaped leaves smell exactly like cotton candy. Or maybe marshmallow fluff. Or caramel, or brown sugar, or vanilla pudding! Whatever this tree smells like to you, it's seldom that a visitor to the NYBG fails to fall in love with the katsura's rare talent.
Can you prune a Katsura tree?
It can develop as either a clear-stem or multi-stem tree, and is best left to reach its full height as Cercidiphyllum japonicum often responds badly to hard pruning. You can, however, remove recently frost damaged growth in late spring. What time of year should I prune? Prune from late autumn and throughout winter.
What does the name Katsura mean?
Katsura, the common name for Cercidiphyllum, a genus of two species of trees native to eastern Asia.
What do katsura trees look like?
The katsura tree, native to Japan, makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in Midwestern landscapes. Its foliage offers an array of color throughout the year. In spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature.
How fast does Red Fox Katsura grow?
Broadleaf, deciduous tree, broad upright habit, growing 12-15 inches per year, to a mature, pleasing height of 20 ft and a spread of 15 ft (6 × 4.5 m), after many decades more than double that size.
How much sun does a Katsura need?
wide (7-10 m). A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. Provide shelter from strong winds and intense sun.
When should Katsura be pruned?
These trees should be pruned in fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). If needed, a few small branches can be removed in summer after the leaves have reached full size.
How do I look after a katsura tree?
Plant katsura tree in good soil and a sheltered site with space for it to grow out as well as up. Ideally plant when dormant, preferably in autumn, keep watered for its first year and mulch annually.
What is a katsura tree?
Sidebar Navigation. The katsura tree, native to Japan, makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in Midwestern landscapes. Its foliage offers an array of color throughout the year. In spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature.
Where are Katsura trees native to?
Native geographic location and habitat: Native to China and Japan. Bark color and texture: Bark is light gray and flaky to slightly shaggy. Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: The katsura tree has an opposite to sub-opposite leaf arrangement with simple, 2 to 4 inch, heart-shaped leaves. They emerge reddish, changing ...
What is the color of the leaves on a Katsura tree?
The katsura tree has an opposite to sub-opposite leaf arrangement with simple, 2 to 4 inch, heart-shaped leaves. They emerge reddish, changing to a blue-green. Leaf margin has rounded teeth. Fall color is a clear yellow.
Is a male flower on a separate tree?
Male and female flowers are on separate trees and both genders are fairly inconspicuous.
What color are the leaves of Katsura?
Its bark is light gray and flaky, slightly shaggy. Leaves are simple and grow in opposite to sub-opposite leaf arrangement. The beautiful heart-shaped leaves and brilliant fall colors of Katsura make it ideal for use as an ornamental.
Is Katsura a shallow root?
The Katsura tree is shallow-rooted and will benefit from a layer of mulch to maintain a cool root environment. Additionally, this tree is drought-sensitive and should be watered in dry conditions. This tree is best suited for lawns or parkways. This tree is used by insect pollinators. Native to China and Japan.
What is the color of Katsura trees?
This type hails from Japan and is an economically important deciduous forest tree. The leaves are multi-hued with heavy veins and tones of pink and green. In fall the heart-shaped leaves take on autumnal tones of gold, orange and red before they fall from the tree.
How long does it take for a Katsura tree to grow?
Katsura trees are slow growing and may take up to 50 years to reach their full size. During this time, if the tree was planted in an appropriate soil and site, it will need very little care. Katsuras are not susceptible to many pests and they are basically disease free.
What zone do Katsura trees grow in?
Growing Katsura Trees. Katsura trees will thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 4b to 8. They need plenty of water at establishment, but once they are mature can handle short periods of drought. Plant the tree in well drained soil that is acid or neutral.
Is a Katsura tree ornamental?
Image by ucho103. The Katsura tree is a wonderful ornamental plant for cold to temperate regions. Although this is a low maintenance plant, a little information on how to take care of a Katsura tree will help you keep it healthy and strong as an attractive presence in your landscape.
Can Katsura trees grow in shade?
The plant is sensitive to frost and does drop its leaves once cold temperatures arrive. Choose either full sun or light shade for growing Katsura trees. The trees are weak limbed, so a sheltered spot is preferable with protection from wind gusts.
How tall is a pyramidal tree?
Slow grower to 40 to 50 ft. tall, 25 to 35 ft. wide. Rounded form with age. An exceptional pyramidal tree that is perfect for bold fall color in front yard or back. Plant as a street tree in parkway and medians or to line a long driveway. Outstanding for parks, golf courses, schools and open space.
What is the color of Cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Dependable choice for beautiful seasonal foliage display; new foliage is bronzy in spring, blue-green in summer, turning orange to golden yellow in fall. Pyramidal form when young, great for shade.
Where is Katsura tree?
Nadya King says. September 6, 2020 at 4:47 pm. Great article. Fun fact, Katsura is one of the trees found in fossils in the John Day area of Oregon from the Oligocene ~ 20-30 million years ago, along with Ginkgo, Dawn Redwood and Sycamore – back when Oregon was tropical!
Why are Katsura not recommended in Chicago?
Note Katsura are not recommended in the Chicago region for plantings that are supposed to last greater than 35 years due to global warming models. You might be a bit cooler which could help but I don’t know what the specific weather pattern change that was predicted to impact these. See https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/tree_alternatives for more info.
Can Katsura verticilum wilt?
I don’t believe Katsura are susceptible to verticilum wilt which would be my first guess from the symptoms you describe. You may want to consult an arborist.
What is the shape of a Katsura tree?
When young, Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), native to China and Japan, is upright and pyramid-shaped, but becomes more rounded with age. Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) peaks at about 40 feet. For all ages, Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) has a light, delicate pattern of branches and leaves. The brown bark of the old tree is a little hairy. Heart-shaped, 24-inch leaves are reddish purple, turning blue-green in summer and yellow to apricot in fall.
How to grow a Katsura tree?
Sow two Katsura tree seeds in each pot. Gently press them halfway into the surface of the peat mixture. Sprinkle a very thin layer of coarse sand around the seeds but do not bury them since they require light for germination.
What type of Katsura is weeping?
This is especially helpful for those katsura types that are weeping, like the ‘Pendula’ and the ‘Tidal Wave’.
What color are the leaves of the Katsura?
The leaves of the Katsura are, if rather small, spectacular throughout the seasons. Starting out pink in the spring, the heart-shaped leaves turn to bright green in summer before various shades of yellow, orange and red take over for the autumn, often with several colours overlapping.
How tall is a sage bush?
In Britain, where it is grown only for its ornamental value, it rarely reaches more than 14m (45ft) with a bushy habit as young shoots tend to be killed by severe frosts and chilly winter winds, thus restricting its growth.
Where do Katsura trees grow?
The katsura tree is native to Eastern China, mainly Japan, China, and Korea. Particularly in Japan, the tree is imbedded in folklore - some legends say that the shadow areas on the moon are the silhouette of a magic katsura tree that cannot be cut down. The tree is also linked in name with the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, whose Palace Garden contains many katsura trees, as well as a viewing platform where you can watch the moon rise. These days, the species is listed as Endangered in Asia (though classified as being Lower Risk).
Is Katsura poisonous to dogs?
There is no need to be concerned about it being around dogs or children: Katsura trees can be poisonous to pets and people.
How tall does Katsura grow?
Spring leaves are bronze in color and then turn to blue-green in the summer. Our region’s Katsura tree can grow up to 40-60 feet tall and is multi-stemmed. There are many weeping cultivars.
What is the name of the tree that is called Katsura?
Cercidiphyllum Japonicum is known as “Katsura.” Cercidiphyllum is the genus name for the Katsura tree.
What is the name of the tree that is shaped like a redbud?
The name tells you something — Cercis is the local tree that we call a redbud or Judas tree. The Katsura leaf is shaped like that of the redbud.
Why do Katsura trees have a strong scent?
Katsura trees have a distinct sweetness. The scent is stronger when it’s dry. Leaves produce the scent when they stop making chlorophyll and then fall off the trees.
What does it mean when a Katsura tree is rich in soil?
Katsura trees’ like rich soil means that you should not spare the compost in growing these trees.
What is the benefit of mulching a Katsura tree?
Organic mulches (such as bark mulch) have an added benefit: As they break down, they add different nutrients to the soil and improve its drainage, essential to Katsura trees.
How tall is a weeping katsuratree?
Weeping KatsuraTree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘ Pendulum’s): Between 15 and 25 feet in height, with a similar or slightly larger spread. The branches of this smaller type are also comparable to the Pendulum. Droop down, increasing visual interest.
What is a Katsura tree?
Native to Japan, Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is an excellent specimen or shade tree for Midwestern landscapes. Katsura Tree leaves offer a variety of colors throughout the year. The heart-shaped leaves appear reddish-purple in spring and turn turquoise when ripe. The color display changes again in the fall when the leaves turn a transparent yellow or apricot color.
What type of soil does a Katsura tree like?
Neutral to slightly acid soil pH is best, but the katsura tree can tolerate somewhat more acid as well as clayey soil.
What is the difference between Katsura and Eastern Redbud?
However, Eastern Redbud has an alternate leaf arrangement, while Katsura Tree's foliage is opposite. The specific epithet japonicum refers to the tree's native range in Japan and eastern China.
How tall is a red fox tree?
Red Fox Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Rotfuchs'): Smaller than the species tree (30 feet tall, with a spread of 16 feet), it is one of the most colorful types, bearing purplish-bronze leaves in spring, greenish-bronze leaves in summer, and orangey-bronze fall foliage.
How to grow a Katsura tree from seed?
Sow two Katsura Tree seeds in each pot. Gently press them halfway into the surface of the peat mixture. Sprinkle a very thin layer of coarse sand around the seeds but do not bury them since they require light for germination.
What type of Katsura is weeping?
This is especially helpful for those katsura types that are weeping, like the ‘Pendula’ and the ‘Tidal Wave’.
Is a Katsura tree a disease?
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 of ensuring a healthy, thriving landscape plant.
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Uses
Nomenclature
- The grown up name for Katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum, refers to a genus of trees from Asia, in particular Japan and China. The trees are suited for moist soil in full sun and get no larger than 45 feet tall. In fact, the majority of the trees are almost better classified as big bushes rather than trees.
Description
- Katsura flowers are tiny, white and insignificant, but the foliage has a strong brown sugar smell in fall, which adds to the trees appeal. An interesting fact about Katsura trees is that the botanical name translates to red leaf.
Cultivation
- Katsura trees will thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 4b to 8. They need plenty of water at establishment, but once they are mature can handle short periods of drought. Plant the tree in well drained soil that is acid or neutral. The plant is sensitive to frost and does drop its leaves once cold temperatures arrive. Katsura trees are slow growing and may take up to 50 years to reach t…
Culture
- Choose either full sun or light shade for growing Katsura trees. The trees are weak limbed, so a sheltered spot is preferable with protection from wind gusts. Pruning is not a necessary part of Katsura tree care, but you can remove any damaged or crossed limbs that prevent the tree from producing a strong scaffold.
Prevention
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew on the ornamental leaves. Spread mulch around the base of the tree out to the root line to minimize competitive weeds and enhance water conservation.