Cercidiphyllum magnificum, commonly known as Katsura Tree, is a deciduous tree native to the moist woodland settings, forest margins, and along streams in Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters), but can reach up to 45-60 feet (13.5-18 meters) in its natural habitat. The Katsura Tree is known for its heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature, and then to a spectacular display of yellow, orange, and apricot tones in the fall. It produces inconspicuous red flowers in spring, followed by non-showy fruit. The tree is particularly noted for the sweet, sugary scent its leaves release as they fall, reminiscent of cotton candy or freshly baked biscuits.

The Katsura Tree is valued for its beautiful heart-shaped foliage, striking fall color, and the unique caramel scent during leaf fall. It is used in cultivation for ornamental purposes, in urban and residential landscapes, and as a shade tree. It requires consistently moist soils and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is sensitive to drought and heat stress, especially when young. It is not known for aggressive roots or serious disease problems, but leaf scorch can occur in dry or windy conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0