Katsuratree

Arbor Walk #106, Treekeeper ID #5947

The Katsuratree’s native range in Japan and China. The ‘Rotfuchs’ cultivar is most commonly cultivated in the United States. In cultivation it can grow to 60′ tall and is noted for its beautiful shape and attractive foliage. Leaves emerge a deep burgundy color in the spring, fade to a bluish-green in the summer and turn gold, orange, and red. Fallen leaves sometimes have the smell of cinnamon, burnt sugar, or ripe apples. It is best adaptable to well-drained soil in full to part shade conditions and sited in a location protected from strong winds and hot late afternoon sun. It has little tolerance for drought conditions.

Common NameKatsuratree
 Latin NameCercidiphyllum japonicum
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety‘Rotfuchs’
Commercial NameRED FOX
Global Distribution

Coming soon

Where to find Arbor Walk #106 on WashU campus
Our Katsuratree in space
GPS Coordinates

N/A

Percent Concrete

N/A

Distance to Buildings
YearClose Building #1Close Building #2Close Building #3
Distance to Other Species
YearClose Species #1Close Species # 2Close Species # 3
Our Katsuratree through time
Standard Measurements
YearHeight (m)DBH (cm)Caliper (m)Crown Diameter N-S (m)Crown Diameter E-W (m)Average Crown Diameter (m)
20235.458N/A22.112.055
Nests and Pests
YearDescription
2023N/A
How to identify a Katsuratree
Leaf Identification

The Katsuratree has cordate (heart-shaped) leaves with a rounded tip. New leaves are typically a burgundy color in spring, turn bluish-green in the summer, and turn gold, orange, and red in the fall.

Twig and Bud Identification

[more information coming soon]

Bark Identification

The Katsuratree has gray, smooth bark with pale horizontal lenticels (pores).

Fruit Identification

The fruit of the Katsuratree is a dehiscent pod-like capsule, which opens up upon maturity in the fall to release multiple winged seeds. The fruits are in small clusters.

[photo forthcoming]

Flower Identification

The flowers of the Katsuratree are in clusters and inconspicuous. They are dioecious– male flowers are red, and female flowers are green.

[photo forthcoming]

‘Rotfuchs’ Identification

The ‘Rotfuchs’ cultivar is known for its purplish leaves and the cascade of color changes that follow through the leaf’s maturity.

[photo forthcoming]

Relationship of Cercidiphyllum japonicum to other species in the arboretum
Additional resources on the Katsuratree