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Katsura tree

How to identify Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

Katsura tree, also known as Japanese Judas Tree, Weeping Katsura Tree

Katsura tree reveals its unique charm with heart-shaped, opposite leaves that whisper the approach of autumn through their fragrant, apricot-yellow fall foliage. This deciduous tree is well-regarded for the aromatic allure of its leaves as seasons change. The structure forms part of the landscape with a commanding presence, counted among the larger hardwoods one might encounter.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Katsura tree

1

Heart-shaped, opposite leaves signal autumn with apricot-yellow foliage.

2

Thin, brown stems exhibit dense branching and smooth texture.

3

Small, wind-pollinated flowers in red and green hues.

4

Fruit consists of narrow pods with winged seeds for wind dispersal.

5

Bark transitions from smooth to shaggy, grey-brown with age.

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Detailed Traits of Katsura tree

Leaf Features

The leaves of katsura tree are simple and alternately arranged on short shoots. They are broadly heart-shaped or kidney-shaped, measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. The leaves exhibit a palmately webbed vein pattern and have crenate, entire, or finely serrate margins. New leaves emerge in shades of reddish-bronze-purple, transitioning to blue-green in the summer, and turning yellow to apricot in the fall. This vibrant seasonal color change adds to the leaf's distinctive characteristics.

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Flower Features

The flowers of katsura tree are small and appear in early spring for about a week. Male flowers, characterized by their red hue, consist of a calyx and numerous stamens. Female flowers are green and feature 4 winged sepals and 4-6 carpels. These dioecious flowers exhibit a wind-pollination mechanism with no notable scent. Both flower types measure roughly 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size, contributing to the tree's reproductive system without drawing significant visual attention.

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Stem Features

The stems of katsura tree are thin and brown, often exhibiting a very branched structure. They can either be single or multi-trunked, providing a distinctive appearance. The texture is smooth, making it easily distinguishable, and the branching typically results in a dense, intricate network. The thickness of the stems ranges from slender to moderately robust, suitable for supporting the plant's foliage. Key identifying features include their brown color and extensive branching pattern.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of katsura tree consists of a congregation of 2-4 small, narrow pods held together on a pedicel. Each pod houses numerous flattened, winged seeds, exhibiting a delicate, papery texture. The coloration transitions to a mature state in autumn, at which point the pods will split open and gradually release their seeds through the autumn and winter months. The seeds themselves are minute, providing an efficient means for dispersal by the wind.

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Key Facts About Katsura tree

Attributes of Katsura tree
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
10 m to 45 m
Spread
8 m to 11 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Yellow
Red
Orange
Purple
Bronze
Flower Color
Red
Green
White
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Scientific Classification of Katsura tree

Genus
Katsura
Icon allow
Species
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
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Distribution Map of Katsura tree

Katsura tree is native to regions of East Asia and has spread to become cultivated in various temperate areas. In its natural range, katsura tree thrives in deciduous forests, while in its introduced range, it is commonly found in botanical gardens and used as an ornamental plant. Its reach extends across Asia and into parts of Europe, although its presence is mainly due to cultivation rather than naturalization.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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