The Katsura is a deciduous tree with a moderate to fast growth rate that reached to about 50 feet in height at maturity. Well suited for an average urban or suburban property, homeowners with smaller properties can also opt for a dwarf-sized variety that grows to about 15 feet in height. The Katsura, named after a town in Tokushima prefecture in Japan, grows in single-stem and multi-stem variations. The leaves that put on an autumn display turning from rich green to yellow to shades of purple. It has a rounded or pyramidal plant form and looks attractive with the heart-shaped leaves lining up opposite one another along the branches.
The Katsura is a dioecious plant, producing male and female flowers on separate trees. Its flowers are inconspicuous and unremarkable but red flowers indicate a male plant and green flowers identify the female plant. It grows best when planted in late winter or early spring. It is nicknamed the “caramel tree” for its sweet, caramelized sugar or cotton candy fragrance in the fall.
Katsura trees (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) are gorgeous ornamental trees that can make a stunning addition to any landscape With heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddish-purple in spring, turn green in summer, and develop brilliant orange and yellow fall color, the appeal of katsura trees is year-round The trees also have a beautiful rounded shape and attractive peeling bark that adds winter interest.
However, like any tree, katsuras aren’t perfect. There are some drawbacks to consider before planting a katsura tree in your yard. Looking at the pros and cons can help you decide if a katsura tree is the right choice for your landscape.
The Pros of Katsura Trees
Beautiful Foliage
The foliage of katsura trees is gorgeous throughout the seasons. The heart-shaped leaves unfurl a stunning reddish-purple color in spring before turning green. In fall, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange and yellow that seem to glow. As the leaves drop, they emit a sweet, caramel-like fragrance, leading to katsuras being nicknamed the “caramel tree.”
Graceful Shape
Katsuras have a naturally graceful, rounded shape with arching branches. With age, they develop an attractive pyramidal to oval form. Their multi-stemmed growth habit also gives them a full, dense appearance. The tiered branching and lush canopy create a striking silhouette.
Peeling Bark
As katsura trees mature they develop peeling bark in patches of gray brown, and cream. The effect is subtly showy, adding striking winter interest. The bark continually peels off in strips, revealing new patches of color underneath for year-round visual appeal.
Shade Tree
A mature katsura grows 40-60 feet tall and 25-45 feet wide, making it an excellent shade tree. The spreading branches cast dappled shade over yards and gardens. The shallow root system also makes katsuras ideal for planting near pathways, driveways, and patios.
Urban Tolerance
Despite their graceful beauty, katsura trees are tough and tolerate urban conditions well. They can handle pollution, salt, difficult soils, heat, and drought. Their resilience to stress makes them ideal street trees.
Few Pest or Disease Issues
Katsuras have very few pest or disease problems. They are relatively pest-free, with no serious insect issues. They can develop fungal leaf spots in very wet conditions but are otherwise disease-resistant. Their vigor makes them low-maintenance trees.
Long Lifespan
Katsura trees are slow growing but very long-lived, with lifespans of over 100 years. Some katsuras planted centuries ago in Europe and Asia are still thriving today. Their longevity means you can enjoy their beauty for decades to come.
The Cons of Katsura Trees
Messy Fruiting
Katsura trees produce messy seed pods that litter the ground in fall and winter as they split open to release their seeds. The winged seeds also blow everywhere. The fallen fruit can make a slippery, messy layer on sidewalks under the tree.
Shallow Roots
While their shallow root system makes them ideal for planting near pavements, the roots can sometimes cause issues by growing close to the surface. The roots may crack walkways or obstruct mowing and digging around the tree.
Medium to Large Size
Katsuras grow to a medium to large size, reaching 40-60 feet tall and almost as wide. Before planting, ensure you have adequate space available in your landscape for the tree to reach mature size. The substantial size means they are not suitable for smaller urban lots.
Slow Growing
Katsura trees grow at a slow to medium rate. Expect no more than 1-2 feet of growth per year. Their slow growth means it takes time for them to reach mature size and fulfill their potential as specimen trees. It can be 15-20 years before they start making a visual impact.
Dislikes Transplanting
Katsuras strongly dislike being transplanted and are difficult to relocate once established. Their fleshy roots are easily damaged. This makes choosing the right long-term site critical. Avoid planting them in temporary locations.
Sun Scald
In hot, dry climates, katsura leaves can scorch if exposed to intense afternoon sun and heat. Plant them in sites with afternoon shade or wind protection. Provide ample water during summer to prevent sun scald damage.
Needs Rich Soil
Although tolerant of pollution, katsuras need fertile, organic-rich soil to thrive. Poor drainage or nutrient-deficient soil will weaken their growth. Amend the soil with compost and fertilize annually for best health.
In the right growing conditions and landscape setting, katsura trees provide gorgeous foliage, graceful form, and resilience. However, their substantial mature size, messy fruit, intolerance of transplanting, and need for rich soil require some forethought on site selection and care. Weighing up the pros and cons will help you decide if this ornamental tree is a good choice for your yard. With their spectacular beauty and urban tolerance, katsuras deserve consideration by any gardener looking for a focal point specimen tree.
Common Problems With Katsura Trees
Katsura trees are hardy trees with very few issues that affect their growth. Picking a suitable planting site is perhaps the most essential factor for maintaining good health.
Fertilizer
Fertilize newly planted saplings using a higher nitrogen mix fertilizer (20-20-20 NPK). As the tree grows and becomes established, use a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) and soak the ground well afterward to ensure that the fertilizer goes down to the roots. You can use granular, liquid, or stake fertilizers; follow the package instructions. In general, fertilize once a year in late fall or early spring before buds develop.
Katsura? For-sure-a!
FAQ
Is katsura a good tree?
The Katsura tree is a magnificent, underused shade tree that will lend both an air of elegance and fun to your landscape. This fast-growing tree develops a dome-like canopy of foliage to shade a quiet space below for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming.
What are the benefits of Katsura Tree?
Benefits: Katsura Tree is known for its neat and tidy growth habit and its fragrant fallen leaves, making it a delightful addition to larger home landscapes. Ideal Uses: Ideal for larger residential landscapes as a focal point or shade tree, providing seasonal color and a unique autumn scent.
How fast does a Katsura Tree grow?
Although listed as growing at a moderate rate, Katsura Tree is capable of rapid growth spurts in optimal conditions. Some trees have been reported to grow more than 4 feet per year when given ample moisture and adequate nutrition.
Do Katsura trees like sun or shade?
Katsura Tree prefers fertile, well drained soils in full sun to part shade. The soils must be consistently moist as these trees have little drought tolerance, particularly when newly installed. The foliage can be fragile to scorching or strong winds. Katsura Tree are often planted singularly or in small groups.