Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura)
The Katsura is great upright tree with beautiful foliage and a very pleasing structure.
The leaf is heart shaped which is very similar to our native Redbud. In spring, the new leaves emerge a beautiful reddish purple color and then gradually change to a bluish green color. In the fall their leaves become a very nice bright yellow. Also in the fall the Katsura leaves give off a nice spicy cinnamon or brown sugar fragrance.
The upright shape makes it a very versatile tree. This tree creates an exceptional garden specimen that works equally well incorporated into a garden bed or free standing in a lawn.
The bark of this tree is also ornamental. It is brown in color and as it ages the bark separates from the trunk and has loose ends giving a “shaggy” appearance to the trunk.
Growth Rate: Medium. Form: Upright. Height: 40 – 60′. Spread 20 – 40′. Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Bloom time: April – May. Bloom color: Green.
