Katsura
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
The Katsura is a deciduous tree native to China and Japan with heart-shaped leaves and a caramel-like fragrance.
History at Hadwen
The Katsura is documented on the property first by Hadwen in 1900 as one of the many deciduous trees growing on his farm that was “well worthy of planting.” After that, it remains a stable species in the arboretum across two studies conducted in the 1970s and into the present day.
Detailed species information
The Katsura tree is a deciduous tree in the family Cercidiphyllaceae native to Japan and China. Typically, the Katsura ranges from 40–60 feet (12–18 meters) in height. The green leaves are oppositely arranged on the stem and heart-shaped with fall colors ranging from pink to yellow. The leaves of the Katsura tree are known for their sweet fragrance which is described as resembling caramel. The tree also produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring.
In landscaping, the Katsura is commonly used as a shade tree or ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and pleasant fragrance. In its native ranges, the timber of Katsura is used for construction and woodworking.
