Katsura is a tall shade tree with heart-shaped leaves that turn orange and golden-yellow in fall.
Denny Schrock
Katsura is a large shade tree native to Japan.
The young tree grows moderately fast but growth slows down as the tree matures.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Katsura trees naturally grow with several trunks but nurseries commonly train and sell them as a single-trunk tree.
Katsura trees are adaptable to a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
The wood of the katsura tree is weak and prone to breaking.
Credit:KINDRA CLINEFF
How and When to Plant a Katsura Tree
Plant katsura in spring or early summer.
Position the tree in the planting hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the original soil and tamp down the soil.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Water well immediately after planting and keep the young tree well-watered at all times.
Blanket the soil above the root ball with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to prevent soil moisture loss.
In southern locations, choose a spot where the tree is protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Soil and Water
Katsura grows best in rich, moist,well-drained soil.
It adapts to clay, loam, and sand and apH range between 5.0 and 8.2.
It has little drought tolerance, especially when young.
Credit: Jane Milliman
Reduce watering in the second growing season.
Established trees should be watered during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizer
If grown in rich, fertile soil, katsura trees typically don’t need fertilizer.
Potting and Repotting a Katsura Tree
This tree is too large to be grown in pots.
Pests and Problems
The tree is not bothered by any serious pests or diseases.
In dry summer weather, the leaves often drop prematurely.
How to Propagate a Katsura Tree
Katsura trees can be propagated fromsemi-hardwood cuttings.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic dome or plastic bag.
It has a waterfall-like weeping form.
The tree has dense green-blue foliage in summer that turns bright yellow-to-red in fall.
Zones 5-9
Magnolia
Planted together with amagnolia, a katsura tree creates a living screen.
Just ensure you give the magnolia ample space, as it does not respond well to being crowded.
Zone 4-10
Paperbark Maple
Acer griseumis a very slow-growingmaple speciesnative to China.
It eventually reaches 30 feet in height and width.
Its peeling, orange-brown bark is reminiscent of a river birch.
The foliage turns red-orange fall in fall.
A good native alternative is theeastern redbud (Cercis canadensis).
Another plus of the eastern redbud is its striking pink flowers in the spring.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
