How to identify Japanese red cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Japanese red cedar, also known as Japanese cedar
Japanese red cedar is a striking evergreen that exhibits a conical to pyramidal growth habit, reaching impressive heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters) and spans 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) wide. The plant is notable for its saber-shaped leaves that characteristically curl inward toward the branches. These leaves display a range of lengths on a single branch, contributing to its textured appearance. The male cones of japanese red cedar present themselves in terminal clusters, are round and measure approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Saber-shaped leaves curl inward, creating a textured appearance.
Male cones are round, 0.5-1 inch in diameter, clustered at branch tips.
Female cones transition from small, green spheres to woody brown cones.
Leaves are bright blue-green, awl-shaped, with a four-angled twist.
Trunk showcases a straight, columnar pose with vivid, exfoliating reddish-brown bark.
The leaves of japanese red cedar are evergreen, measuring about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm), and are bright to blue-green in color. They are spirally arranged and awl-shaped, with a distinctive four-angled, slightly twisted curve. New growth appears light green, and the initial needles each year are shorter than those produced later. The leaves are stiff, prickly, and densely spiral around the twigs in ranks of five. They persist on the tree for 4-5 years, potentially developing a bronze tone in winter.
Japanese red cedar produces inconspicuous, yellowish-brown male cones which are elongated and typically measure about 0.12 to 0.16 inches (3 to 4 mm) in length. These male cones are clustered near the tips of the branches and release pollen in spring. The female cones, also small, spherical, and green, measure around 0.24 to 0.32 inches (6 to 8 mm) before maturing into woody seed cones. Blooming period generally spans late winter to early spring.
The stem of japanese red cedar is characterized by its unique branching pattern, with branches arranged in a whorled manner and spreading horizontally or slightly drooping. The branchlets, green during the first year, transition to a brownish hue as they age. The stem's texture is generally smooth and firm, and the thickness can range from 0.5 inches to 4 inches (1.3 cm to 10 cm), depending on the age of the plant. Winter buds are notably small and lack scales, distinguishing them from other species.
The fruit of japanese red cedar manifests as round, brown cones, which resemble small rosettes. These seed cones measure roughly 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. They are presented singly or in clusters on the terminal branches of the plant. Each scale on the cone is equipped with a tiny, triangular spine. As the cones mature, they change from a greenish color to a rich brown before releasing their seeds. The exterior texture is woody and rigid, typical for a conifer's mature seed cones.
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Scientific Classification of Japanese red cedar
