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Genus Cercidiphylllum (Katsura tree)

Cercidiphylllum Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
sir-sid-ih-FIL-um Common Name: Katsura tree
The genus Cercidiphyllum contains two species of plants, both commonly called Katsura. Somewhat resembling a redbud tree (Cercis), Katsura tree is grown for its rounded, heart-shaped leaves and attractive growing habit. New growth is bronze, turning green, and then finally yellow, orange, and red in the autumn. After falling to the ground, the leaves give off a scent variously described as cinnamon, cotton candy, or burnt sugar. Flowers are tiny and not showy. Grow as a specimen and give it plenty of space.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Attractive foliage with good fall color. Fallen leaves emit a sweet fragrance.
 Care: Choose a sheltered site with deep, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or very light shade. Ideally, soil should be neutral to acidic.  
 Propagation: As soon as seeds ripen, sow them in containers outdoors. Plants may also be started from basal cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer.
 Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Cercidiphylllum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(katsura tree) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This spreading, deciduous tree native to Japan and China has a rounded form and rounded, redbud-like leaves. It grows to 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide and sports brilliant red, apricot, and yellow fall color. Early spring flowers are insignificant. This attractive tree makes an excellent specimen. 'Pendula', a weeping form, is this species' most popular cultivar.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum Cercidiphyllum japonicum f. pendulum
(Weeping katsura) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This deciduous small tree initially has a pyramidal form, and later rounded. Cercis-like, opposite, heart-shaped blue-green leaves are borne on stiff, slender, pendulous branches that fan out from the crown and sweep the ground. Caramel-scented foliage emerges bronze or purple-red, turns blue-green, then fades to gold or apricot in autumn. Tiny red flowers emerge in late March or early April before the leaves.