Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Katsura Tree is prized as a flowering shade tree that offers fantastic fall color. The Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a fast-growing deciduous tree that does well in urban and suburban areas. Flowers in the spring complement the heart-shaped, green foliage. The leaves turn yellow and purple for a lovely burst of color in the fall.
A native of Japan, the Katsura Tree has a single trunk and a broad canopy. This tree is low maintenance and provides visual interest while creating shade. Katsura trees are mostly disease- and pest-free for added convenience.
Katsura Tree Care
Plant this tree in well-drained, rich, neutral-to-slightly acidic soil. A Katsura grown in the Northern reaches of its growing zone should be planted in full sun, while trees in Southern areas do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. This tree needs about one inch of water per week during the growing season. A thick layer of organic mulch will retain moisture and give the plant a nutritional boost.
Katsura Trees do not need much pruning other than removal of dead or damaged branches. Prune as needed in late fall after the leaves have dropped. Remove suckers as they emerge in the early spring.
Katsura Tree Spacing
Mature Katsura Trees stand 40 to 60 feet tall and 25 to 60 feet wide. Space this tree 10 feet away from buildings and 25 feet away from other trees.
Katsura Tree Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 40-60 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 25-60 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Flower Description
- Inconspicuous reddish flowers in spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Harvest Time
- Late Summer/Early Fall (Late August to September)
- Foliage Color
- , Blue, Green
- Foliage Description
- Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Katsura Tree
- Also Known As
- Katsura Tree
- Botanical Name
- Cercidiphyllum japonicum
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!