Katsura Tree, Candyfloss Tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as the Katsura Tree or the Candyfloss Tree, does really well on well-drained, fertile soils.

Its pretty foliage emerges a bronze/purple in spring before hardening to a light green for the growing season. They then turn vivid yellow and pink for the autumn, and at this point, they can smell of burnt sugar, hence their ‘Candyfloss’ tag.

The flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring before the leaves emerge. They’re not a major ornamental feature. Cercidiphyllum japonicum is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The buds are small, reddish, and arranged opposite each other on the stem—often described as resembling tiny “lobster claws.”

Sometimes mistaken for Cercis siliquastrum, the Judas Tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum can reach over 15 metres, which catches some out with small gardens. It is a tree with a moderate to fast growth rate that spreads to about 7.5-10.5 metres. Because of its considerable width, it's worth noting that this tree can take up a significant amount of space, which should be factored into garden or landscape design.

New leaves can frost in the spring if caught late, but they come back again.

Mature Height: 12-17m

Common names

Katsura Tree, Candyfloss Tree

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Oval

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

Summer, Spring

Location

Garden

Genus

Cercidyphyllum