Japanese cedar (sugi) Cryptomeria japonica
Japanese cedar (sugi) (Cryptomeria japonica) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Japan. It grows 15–50 m (49–164 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Japanese cedar (sugi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 15–50 m (49–164 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Japanese cedar (sugi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Its spring pollen causes widespread hay fever in Japan.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese cedar (sugi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Japanese cedar (sugi)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese cedar (sugi)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Japanese cedar (sugi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese cedar (sugi) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese cedar (sugi)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- Is Japanese cedar (sugi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Its spring pollen causes widespread hay fever in Japan.
- What grows well with Japanese cedar (sugi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese cedar (sugi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Japan’s national tree, planted around shrines; the Jōmon Sugi on Yakushima is thousands of years old. Dwarf cultivars suit small gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis