Katsura Trees - Cercidiphylium

So I have been researching trees, and found this beautiful Katsura Tree. I have a Japanese Garden, and think they will look amazing and tie into the rest of my landscaping, and the fall color is stunning!

I had trouble locating this rare tree, haven't ever seen any around here, (since I am ready to plant trees isn't it funny how you notice all the trees around you normally would overlook...)

I have absolutely no shade, and love a woodland garden and shade plants.
I found one Katsura and the Pendula Katsura which is breathtaking. They are even clearanced!
I am in zone 5, and growing zone is 4-8.
I think I am going to buy both trees.
Anyone have a Katsura tree or any information which can benefit me?

I think that this is an understory tree, which means in a hot summer climate it probably won't enjoy being in full blazing sun all day. I noticed that the Plant Files listings all say sun to partial shade, and I also translate that to mean in a hot summer climate it will need shade at least during the hottest part of the afternoon. I know you said you had no shade so hopefully someone will come along and say I'm wrong and it'll do fine in a hot climate in full sun! Do you have space maybe on the north side of the house where the house will block the sun from beating down on it in the late afternoon?

hhhhmmmm that could be a problem if I am trying to create shade with a tree that needs shade. lol.

I do plan on planting the weeping katsura on the north side in a big corner, I do have some quakies which may help with a little shade.
Usually we have hot summers but nothing like this year, 98-100 daily for a month now!
I will look into it, good point thanks

Hi flowerprincess, the trees you are so desperate to grow, like an acidic soil, though a small amount of lime in the soil wont kill them, but it may not give the autumn coloured foliage you so desire, they are actually classed as large shrubs here in Uk due to the shape and form that the trees have, like tiers growing from the stems/trunk, they have to grow in a really sheltered spot away from wind and early morning frosts which cant see being a prob for you, but they need a moist soil/acidic for them to survive, they are shrubs that grow in japan within woodland situations, so Ecrane is right when she said they are for underplanting of larger trees, but if you could build a pergola or other form of shade overhead, then just maybe with the right soil conditions offered, could give them a bit of a chance, it is overhead shade they require, not just the soil shade, so if these are expencive trees, perhaps that is the reason there are not any around your area. too expencive to plant and watch them die. good luck, I love the tranquility of Japanees gardens and all the simple textures and shapes they do so well. WeeNel.

I took a risk and purchased the weeping Katsura. It was clearanced for $30 regularly priced $140. Figured for that price it was worth a try. I do hope I can create conditions for this tree.
I planned on planting this evening, and believe the spot I chose will not provide any shade, read this just in time.
Have to rethink the location.
Think I need to rethink my location! ha ha, I keep choosing plants that don't necessarily thrive in my area!

Katsura.

We planted one at our previous home in Quincy, MA.

It was because of the heart-shaped leaves -- hence the Latin name. It was, to us, very exotic, and very meaningful.

Now, in NJ, we find that there are three handsome specimens of same, planted directly behind our home. Small world. They are thriving, and grow magnificently -- and are a haven for multitudes of birds.

Good luck.

: )

You might also consider keeping the tree in the pot for the time being until you get to a more appropriate time of year for planting--planting something in the heat of summer will be very stressful for it, and if you don't have quite the climate/conditions it likes anyway, that could be a recipe for disaster. I've found it's easier to keep things in pots for the summer, putting them in an area that gets shade at least during the hottest part of the day, then plant them out in the fall. More things stay alive when I do it that way than if I plant them in the garden in the middle of summer.

Thanks.
I bought the weeping katsura, can't decide if I want the regular katsura due to its size - reaching 50 feet; I have such an awesome view of the mountains here, I am strategically planting my trees to not obsure my view. But I might just go for it.

flyboy FL
Do you know if the weeping katsura gets the same fall color? I liked the heart shaped leaves as well, and liked the legend behind the tree, are your trees 50 ft? That is so cool you moved and they are at your new location.

ecrane3, unfortunately I did not read your reply before it was too late. It was in the 'tree hospital' and highly stressed when I purchased it, thats why it was discounted. The tree looked pretty rootbound and neglected, I figured we have had some rain and cooler temps and it may like to get out of that hot black pot! It does have new buds all over it, and nice and green not brittle, I hope I haven't created more stress for it. I did soak it in some root stimulizer before planting. I'm trying to save its life, what a challange!
Think I should have kept in the pot in the shade like you suggested, hope it hangs in there.


This message was edited Aug 5, 2007 9:49 AM

I'll photograph them tomorrow -- and post some photos.

Be well

:)

flowerprincess:

You've taken on a challenge...but what is gardening after all?

Cercidiphyllum japonicum wouldn't be the first tree species to come to mind for creating shade in UT, but what does this Ohio Valleyian know. I think if you are prepared to regularly provide water in your relatively xeric climate (15" rain annually, if I recall, for your area) then you can probably keep this tree going. I agree with the recommendations above, for north exposure and maybe some temporary shade cloth structure to get your new plant through the initial establishment and extremely hot periods. I'd stick with the weeping katsura, instead of the standard tree.

If you were to join up as a subscriber to DG, you could see a thread over on Trees and Shrubs about the weeping katsura. I think it's titled "Amazing Grace", after a specific named selection of this plant. It demonstrates the potential that weeping katsura can reach, given the opportunity. Here's the PlantFiles entry:

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/77215/

Here's another view of this fine plant. Good luck with yours.

Here are some photos I promised.

This is the group of three katsuras in my back yard.

: ).

The center one -- which looks like a weeper -- but isn't.

: )

And, a close-up of the leaves.

Be well

: )

Thanks for the great photos....
Hope my tree will grow up to look like it!

I do need to sign up and subscribe, so I am able to access more threads! I will soon :)

Good news :) My tree has a bunch of new buds on it, and leaves are coming out! Good so far

Hey, can I get a close-up of the bark, as well? I have a couple of trees that have leaves like that, but I'm not sure if they are younger versions of what flyboy has, or if they are something different entirely. Mine are smaller, though. With long slender trunks. I'm not sure if they were pruned so they'd grow like that or if they are something else.

Here's the bark.

(You can't compare it with the "bite." It has none.)

Be well

: )

Hello
I have a Katsura - not the weeping kind.
It is planted in full sun from about 11 am to maybe 6 pm. (I live in Hillsborough, NC). We've had a horrible drought - and very very hot weather. The leaves of many bushes are dried and curled. We've lost quite a few plants/small trees planted last fall with immature root systems. The Katsura has been in place about 5 years. The leaves are just now (after months of this dry hot cycle) beginning to yellow - a small amount. I think maybe we've had a downpour every 4 weeks or so but that is it. The tree is planted on the west side of the house. It is about 24 feet tall now. My neighbor at the top of the road has a katsura planted out in an open area with flower beds around it (no irrigation) but nothing over the tree and no shade. It is doing fine. We have acidic clay soil here in the piedmont of NC.

I am so proud of my katsura. I can't believe how good its doing! It looked totally dead when I got it. There are leaves and buds all over it and its even growing new branches!
I noticed the bark of the tree has changed color also.
In 2 months it looks good as new!
I soaked it over night in root stimulizer and deep water once a week. Guess its working :)

Good luck.

Some of the leaves on mine are beginning to turn yellow, and drop.

Winter is a'coming in.

Be well

: )

Ya, I can feel the chill in the air, always makes me sad this time of year :(
Wish I lived in Florida where you are! Utah is COLD!

flower~

Yes -- but I am still in NJ for another month.

I was, temporarily, stationed in Salt Lake City, in 1943. I remember it as a beautiful city.

Be well

: )

The Canada geese are circling -- and this is what's happening to the katsura.

:)

flyboyFL,
Thanks for pick, they are pretty trees. Mine seems to be doing well.
I love when the leaves change; but after they all drop makes me sad....winter is coming.
I had a American Kestrel Falcon in my yard the other day! I had no idea what it was I've never seen one around here, guess she's made a nest cuz I see her all the time now. Another sign of winter, and my hummingbirds have been gone for awhile now :(

flower~

WOW. I've never seen one.

But my hummingbords departed about a month ago.

Winter is a'coming in.

The Canada geese are starting to squack -- so it really is that time again.

Keep warm -- and be well

: )

You 2 :)

I have 3 Katsuras that were planted in 1995 in a Chicago suburb. All 3 are multi-stemmed. They have grown extremely well and I haven't done anything special. I wish I had a digital camera to show you how beautiful they are. Their branches have created a beautiful shady area that is a nice place to retreat on a hot summer day.

I'm excited to see how it does. They are really rare here, I think I only know of one I have ever seen. Hopefully it does ok through the winter.
Nancyjorg2, what zone is IL?
I thought I would put lots of leaves around the base or straw to keep it from freezing. If it makes it this winter I think I will plant a few more.
I have a Deodara Cedar I planted which might be a gamble, hope it makes it too.

And, last week.

: )

I have two tree, decided against the weeping form due to a lack of room. But listen, I read Mike Dirrs book in the early 80's about trees and shrubs, he named a Katsura Tree as one of 10 trees everyone should have, I looked till 2006, now I have two. But he described how pretty they were reaching to the sky In Swarthmore College in Penn. Surely they will do well where you are. Oh and they fill the air with a cinnamon smell in the fall. I call that a cheap thrill! Sorry! Marvin, from GA

Amen

Be well

: )

Flowerprincess I live in Logan and have been unable to find a Katsura tree, where did you get yours?