BlueBell Arboretum & Nursery

Growers of rare trees & shrubs

Description

An unusual but easily grown tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum is known for its beautiful, heart-shaped leaves which turn from a lush green in spring and summer to fantastic shades of yellow, purple and red in autumn. Grown from seed, the autumn colour varies from plant to plant, with the leaves of some turning brilliant orange or yellow and others turning glowing purple and red. As the leaves fall from the tree late in the year, they give off an aroma similar to burnt sugar or candy floss. A spectacular garden tree with excellent autumn colour!

Features

• Common name: Katsura Tree.
• Position: Sheltered area in full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Moist but well drained, acidic soils. Cercidiphyllum japonicum will tolerate some lime but will grow better and produce more vivid autumn colour in lime free or acid soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy. Cercidiphyllum japonicum requires shelter from strong winds.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Eventually a medium sized tree with an elegant branching crown once established.
• Height: 15 m (50 ft)
• Spread: 10 m (32 ft)
• Notes: If your interested in learning more about this plant, an article has been written about it on our Bluebell Nursery Blog. Please click on the following link to start reading: Cercidiphyllum japonicum
• Supplied Size: 120 - 140 cm tall in 3L containers

Further Information

Extract from an information poster in our arboretum

An ancient genus of trees which has been on earth for many millions of years. It is considered to be distantly related to Liriodendron (Tulip Tree). Cercidiphyllum have rounded, heart-shaped leaves, which typically colour well in autumn and the dying leaves emit the powerful and pleasant fragrance of bonfire toffee or caramelised sugar.

'The common name Katsura, alludes to the tale of a Chinese monk who discovered the secret of eternal life. Not content with this he went on to commit a hideous crime, for which he was sentenced to go to the moon to fell a 5,000 feet high tree. The image of the man in the moon we see today is the condemned man trying to accomplish this impossible task. This gives rise to the idea of a Katsura as an impossible goal or unachievable dream. In Western China many pharmacies sell Katsura bark for its medicinal properties.'

These are long lived trees, growing to medium stature in the span of a normal lifetime but, in favourable conditions are destined to become large specimens in hundred of years time. We have young specimens of most of the Cercidiphyllum listed below planted in our woodland garden which is open to the public all year round, although they are obviously at their best in mid to late October when the autumn colour is most vivid!