Katsura tree Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Cercidiphyllaceae family, native to Japan and China. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Katsura tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Cercidiphyllaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Katsura tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Katsura tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Katsura tree
- How far apart should I plant Katsura tree?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Katsura tree need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Katsura tree need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Katsura tree?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Katsura tree flower?
- From about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Katsura tree 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Katsura tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Katsura tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Round leaves turn apricot to yellow in autumn and the fallen leaves smell of burnt sugar or candyfloss. Wilts in drought.
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
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula