Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a hardy, medium-sized deciduous tree with multi-season interest. It is generally grown for its beautiful shape and attractive foliage. Heart-shaped leaves (resembling those of the Redbud Tree, Cercis canadensis) emerge reddish-purple in spring, maturing to medium green in the summer. Autumn shades are spectacular with the leaves turning shades of gold, orange and red - the eye-candy everyone waits for!

Cercidiphyllum japonicum may have a single trunk, but is more often multi-trunked, with shaggy, eye-catching bark. The dense, rounded habit typically matures to about 40 ft (12 m).  The spring flowers are tiny and rather insignificant.  Interestingly, it is the fallen foliage that emits a scent. This scent, while not overly aromatic, has been described as "caramel" or "candy floss", leading to the tree's common monikers of "Caramel Tree" and "Candyfloss Tree".

Katsura Tree is often used as a small specimen shade tree or street tree. An easy grower, it will do well in full sun or part shade, and likes moist, well-drained soil. Throughout the seasons, it is among the most appealing of any hardy landscape tree.

Note: Native to China and Japan, Japanese Katsua Tree is dioecious (separate male and female plants). The female trees have tiny green flowers, and when pollinated are followed by clusters of greenish 2 cm pods. Male trees have tiny red flowers.