The katsura tree, native to Japan, makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in Midwestern landscapes. Its foliage offers an array of color throughout the year. In spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature. In autumn the color display changes again as leaves turn a clear yellow or apricot color.
- Family (English) Katsura tree
- Family (botanic) Cercidiphyllaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-60 feet
- Mature width 20-30 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Oval, Pyramidal, Round
- Growth rate Fast, Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes
