Images of the Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

Katsura Tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Also called the Japanese Judas-tree, this native to Asia is cultivated in the United States for the attractive shape and color of its leaves. Growing up to 20 m tall, the tree produces heart-shaped leaves that are dark bluish-green above and paler below. The plants produce an odor like cotton candy or sweet caramel when the leaves are shed in the fall.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental, growing best in part shade.

Growth Habit:Deciduous tree, growing up to 20 m tall.

Bloom Time:Spring.

Presence in US:MD MA NY OH PA

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).