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Large deciduous ornamental tree
Cercidiphyllaceae
Large fragrant shade tree with fall colour
Katsura tree
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree is a large deciduous tree whose heart-shaped leaves provide several seasons of interest. Reddish purple when emerging, they mature to blue-green in summer, then yellow, orange, apricot, pink, or red in fall. Yellowing leaves often release a caramel, cinnamon, or burnt-sugar fragrance. Hardy to Zone 4, <em>Cercidiphyllum japonicum</em> reaches approximately 12 to 18 m high by 9 to 15 m wide (39 to 59 ft × 30 to 49 ft). It prefers full sun or partial shade, a sheltered position, and fertile, evenly moist, acid-to-neutral, well-drained soil with ample root space. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
45 mm / 25 gallons; 200 cm / 10 gallons; 200 cm; 250 cm / 7 gallons; 15 gallons; 7 gallons
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- Quantity
- 45 mm / 25 gallons; 200 cm / 10 gallons; 200 cm; 250 cm / 7 gallons; 15 gallons; 7 gallons
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; sheltered position
- Hardiness
- Zone 4
Discover the plant
Common nameKatsura tree; Japanese katsura
FamilyCercidiphyllaceae
GenusCercidiphyllum
Speciesjaponicum
TypeLarge deciduous ornamental tree
Botanical nameCercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a large deciduous tree valued for heart-shaped foliage and a distinctive autumn fragrance. Young leaves emerge reddish purple, mature to blue-green in summer, then turn yellow, orange, apricot, pink, or red. As yellowing leaves begin to dry, they often smell like caramel, burnt sugar, cinnamon, or cotton candy. Small reddish flowers on male trees and greenish flowers on female trees appear in spring but remain inconspicuous. In cultivation, allow approximately 12 to 18 m of height by 9 to 15 m of spread (39 to 59 ft × 30 to 49 ft), with greater dimensions possible over a very long period.
Plant katsura in full sun or partial shade in a position sheltered from strong wind and intense late-afternoon heat. It prefers fertile, organically rich, evenly moist, acid-to-neutral, well-drained soil. Water generously during establishment and dry periods because drought and wind can scorch leaf margins. A 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) mulch layer, kept away from the trunk, protects its shallow root system. Hardy to Zone 4, the tree suits cold climates when given a large permeable root area. Avoid standing water, compaction, de-icing salt, and repeated transplanting. Light afternoon shade can reduce stress where summer heat reflects from paving or buildings.
Use katsura tree as a large specimen, shade tree, park tree, street tree in a generous soil volume, or woodland-edge focal point. Its initially pyramidal outline becomes more oval, rounded, and spreading with age, sometimes developing multiple trunks. Light dormant-season pruning is sufficient to remove dead, crossing, or damaged wood while preserving well-spaced scaffold branches. Wind-pollinated flowers support some insects, while female trees produce small fruits containing winged seeds. Position a bench beyond the mulch ring to enjoy fragrant leaves without compacting roots. With dependable moisture and enough space, the tree provides spring colour, summer shade, autumn scent, and a graceful winter framework.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Allow 9 to 15 m (30 to 49 ft) between the trunk and other large trees or structures to accommodate mature spread. Keep the tree away from overhead wires, foundations, and undersized paved pits. A broad permeable soil area lets shallow roots receive water and reduces conflicts with walkways.
Best planting time
In spring after the soil thaws, or in early fall at least six weeks before persistent frost
Propagation
Seed or stem cuttings, depending on the desired provenance
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to neutral, approximately 5.5 to 7.0
Minimum temperature
Approximately -34 °C (-29 °F), Zone 4
Care level
Easy to moderate
Watering
Water slowly and deeply after planting, then keep the root ball evenly moist without saturating it. Check soil below the mulch before watering again. Young katsuras have poor drought resistance; irrigate when several centimetres of soil begin to dry, especially in sun or windy weather. Browning leaf margins can indicate insufficient water, excessive heat, or drying wind. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Soil type
Fertile, evenly moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil suits this tree. Acid-to-neutral conditions generally support steady growth and dependable fall colour. The shallow root system benefits from organic mulch, but the root flare must remain visible. Avoid standing water, severe compaction, heat-reflecting hardscape, and repeated cultivation beneath the crown. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Fertilization
In fertile soil, a spring compost layer and organic mulch are often sufficient. When testing or weak growth indicates a need, apply balanced slow-release fertilizer according to the label over the root zone. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which creates tender growth and may delay hardening. Stop applications early enough for wood to mature before winter. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil; dependable drainage required
Seasonal care
In spring, confirm that the root flare remains visible, renew mulch without touching the trunk, and water when soil dries. Red or greenish flowers appear briefly before or while leaves unfold. On a young tree, preserve a strong leader and several well-spaced scaffold branches. In summer, monitor moisture during hot, windy, or rainless periods; marginal browning first calls for a check of water and exposure. Avoid compaction and cultivation beneath the crown. In fall, enjoy the fragrance of yellowing leaves and allow a thin layer to decompose away from the root flare. Remove only leaves that make a walkway slippery. During dormancy, remove dead, broken, or crossing wood with clean tools and avoid large cuts. In winter, protect young trunks from mechanical injury, rodents, and piles of salty snow. A sheltered position also reduces bark splitting and desiccation risk. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly. This attention preserves the tree’s natural outline and lasting vigour. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly. This attention preserves the tree’s natural outline and lasting vigour. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly. This attention preserves the tree’s natural outline and lasting vigour. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Temporary nursery container matching the purchased size; planting in the ground is recommended
Permanent container culture is not recommended for a tree capable of reaching 12 to 18 m high by 9 to 15 m wide (39 to 59 ft × 30 to 49 ft). Keep a young specimen temporarily in its nursery container only until planting. Maintain an evenly moist root ball, shelter it from wind, and never leave the pot standing in water. If planting is delayed, place the container in bright partial shade and water when the upper layer dries. Avoid repeated repotting, then install the tree in the ground during spring or early enough in fall to support rooting.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
10 to 15 m (33 to 49 ft)
Width / spread
6 m (20 feet)
Flower color
Reddish on male trees; greenish on female trees
Foliage color
Reddish purple when emerging, blue-green in summer, then yellow, orange, pink, or red in fall
Foliage type
Deciduous; broad simple heart-shaped leaves
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Pyramidal and dense when young, then oval, rounded, spreading, and sometimes multi-stemmed
Fragrance
Yellowing leaves scented like caramel, warm sugar, or cotton candy
Bloom period
Small petal-free flowers appear in March or April. Male trees carry reddish flowers before the leaves, while female trees display greenish flowers as foliage often begins to open. Sexes occur on separate plants, and pollination is carried by wind. Bloom remains inconspicuous; katsura is grown mainly for its foliage. Avoid heavy pruning immediately before spring so healthy wood and the young tree’s structure remain intact. Pollinated female trees later develop small capsules containing winged seeds.
Fruiting
Pollinated female trees produce small narrow capsules or pods, green at first and later brown, containing winged seeds. These inconspicuous fruits appear in fall and are not the main ornamental feature. Their presence depends on plant sex and a compatible male nearby. Allow them to mature naturally or collect them if they fall on a walkway. Colourful foliage, autumn fragrance, bark, and the tree’s outline remain its most dependable landscape characteristics.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair katsura with ferns, sedges, foamflowers, hardy geraniums, hostas, and spring bulbs that appreciate evenly moist, drained soil and filtered light. Position them beyond the root flare and choose non-aggressive roots. Dark-green conifers in the background emphasize fall colour. Avoid highly competitive plants or groundcovers that are difficult to remove because repeated cultivation can damage the shallow root system. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly. This attention preserves the tree’s natural outline and lasting vigour.
Plants to avoid
Avoid standing water, extended drought, intense late-afternoon sun, drying wind, compaction, and root injury. Brown leaf margins may reflect water or heat stress rather than disease. Also watch for dieback, cankers, broken branches, and damage at the graft union. Remove affected wood only with clean tools. Katsura generally resists verticillium wilt but can decline in poorly drained soil or on an excessively dry site. Preserve even moisture and avoid piling mulch against the trunk. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Why do katsura leaves smell like caramel?
The fragrance is strongest when leaves turn yellow, fall, and begin to dry slightly. Many people compare it with caramel, warm sugar, cotton candy, or maple taffy. Intensity varies with weather, humidity, temperature, and drying stage, so it is not equally strong every day or on every tree. To notice it more easily, place a bench or path beyond the mulched root zone where a few leaves can collect briefly without creating a slippery surface. This natural scent does not indicate disease or treatment and fades as leaves fully decompose. Avoid crushing wet leaves on hard paving where they could become slick.
Is katsura tree hardy in Quebec?
Yes. The species is generally hardy to Zone 4 and suits many cold-climate regions when the site is appropriate. Choose a position sheltered from drying wind, away from severe frost pockets and piles of salty snow. Soil should remain evenly moist, fertile, and well drained; standing winter water increases the risk of root damage. Plant in spring or early enough in fall, then maintain regular moisture during establishment. Keep the root flare visible and mulch without touching the trunk. A large permeable root area is essential because the tree can reach 12 to 18 m high by 9 to 15 m wide (39 to 59 ft × 30 to 49 ft).
Should katsura grow in sun or partial shade?
Both exposures work when soil remains evenly moist and the position is protected. Full sun encourages a dense crown and strong fall colour in a cool climate but increases water demand. Bright partial shade, especially during the hottest hours, reduces scorch risk where reflected heat is present. Avoid deep shade, which can thin the crown, as well as intense sun combined with dry soil. Check moisture beneath mulch during heat waves. When leaf margins turn brown, examine watering, wind, and heat before adding fertilizer. A sheltered east- or north-facing position can provide a useful balance between light, colour, and protection.
How large does Cercidiphyllum japonicum become?
In cultivation, allow approximately 12 to 18 m of height by 9 to 15 m of spread (39 to 59 ft × 30 to 49 ft), with greater growth possible over a very long period. A young tree often has a dense pyramidal form, while the crown later becomes oval, rounded, spreading, and sometimes multi-stemmed. Reserve space before planting; repeated pruning to contain a large specimen causes wounds and distorts its outline. Keep it away from wires, foundations, and undersized paved pits. Light structural pruning during the early years helps preserve a strong leader and well-spaced scaffold branches. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.
Why are my katsura leaf margins turning brown?
Brown margins commonly result from dry soil, drying wind, reflected heat, or intense late-afternoon sun. Check moisture several centimetres below mulch because the surface may look dry while the root ball remains moist, or the reverse. Water deeply when soil begins to dry without creating standing water. Widen the organic mulch zone while keeping the root flare clear and shelter a young tree from wind. Do not automatically add fertilizer because it will not correct water stress. If browning progresses despite consistent moisture or is accompanied by branch dieback, consult a qualified arborist. Also inspect for root disturbance and damage near the graft union.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Small wind-pollinated spring flowers can still support some insects and add diversity to the garden. A mature crown also offers perching structure and temporary cover. Maintain a diverse understory, avoid unnecessary pesticides, and preserve a healthy root zone to support this general ecological value. For best results, inspect soil moisture, the root flare, and foliage response regularly.