Cercidiphyllum japonicum – Katsura Tree is one of our Top 5 favorite trees! It is an outstanding tree specimen that is intriguing, beautiful, and has a fragrance. It is a deciduous tree with striking colored leaves and stems. The Katsura tree typically matures after many years to 40-50 feet tall.
It is truly a gorgeous tree with great ‘four season’ attributes, and is grown for its attractive shape, intriguing bark, enchanting fall fragrance, and beautiful spring, summer and fall colored foliage.
The small round heart shaped leaves resemble those of a small Redbud, and it is actually distantly related to the Redbud. The leaves emerge as purple to red in the spring, and mature to medium green with a slight blue tinge in summer and then turn great shades of gold, orange, and red in fall. The leaves have been described as having the enchanting fragrance of lemon and cinnamon. It is both a beautiful specimen tree and is fragrant, as well.
It is a thirsty and fast growing shade tree, and should be planted in areas where there is some consistent moisture, but not standing water. Highly recommended!