Katsura Tree
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Also listed as Cercidiphyllum ovale
Also known as Katsura
Climate Match for your location
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A graceful deciduous tree prized for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves that turn brilliant gold and scarlet in autumn, and for its sweet butterscotch fragrance in fall. Native to Japan and China, it prefers cool, moist sites and makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Katsura tree offers reliable autumn color and fragrance without the disease susceptibility that plagues some ornamental cherries and crabapples in similar ecological roles. Its fine-textured foliage and layered branching structure provide visual interest across multiple seasons, making it a stronger choice than many deciduous shade trees for woodland understory plantings where consistent performance matters more than showy flowers.
Watch out for
This tree performs poorly in hot, dry climates or compacted soils and may struggle in areas with alkaline conditions. It leafs out late in spring and drops leaves early in autumn, which can make the bare crown period feel extended in cooler regions, so site placement matters for visual composition during shoulder seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cercidiphyllaceae
Native Range
Japan and China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Pendulum' is a weeping form with elegant drooping branches; 'Red Fox' is a compact cultivar selected for superior red fall color.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A graceful deciduous tree prized for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves that turn brilliant gold and scarlet in autumn, and for its sweet butterscotch fragrance in fall. Native to Japan and China, it prefers cool, moist sites and makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Katsura Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Katsura tree offers reliable autumn color and fragrance without the disease susceptibility that plagues some ornamental cherries and crabapples in similar ecological roles. Its fine-textured foliage and layered branching structure provide visual interest across multiple seasons, making it a stronger choice than many deciduous shade trees for woodland understory plantings where consistent performance matters more than showy flowers.
Watch out for
This tree performs poorly in hot, dry climates or compacted soils and may struggle in areas with alkaline conditions. It leafs out late in spring and drops leaves early in autumn, which can make the bare crown period feel extended in cooler regions, so site placement matters for visual composition during shoulder seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cercidiphyllaceae
Native Range
Japan and China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Pendulum' is a weeping form with elegant drooping branches; 'Red Fox' is a compact cultivar selected for superior red fall color.