Japanese Cedar
(Cryptomeria japonica)
Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
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MrPanyGoff
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Photo by: MrPanyGoff | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: MrPanyGoff | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Japanese_cedar_cones_-_Cryptomeria_japonica.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cryptomeria japonica, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree native to moist, mountainous forests in Japan. It can reach a height of 55 feet (17 meters) and a width of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with a pyramidal to conical form. The tree’s needles are spirally arranged and can vary in color from bright green to bluish-green. It produces small, globular cones and has reddish-brown bark that peels in vertical strips. Japanese Cedar is valued for its rapid growth and attractive foliage, which makes it a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks. It is also used for screening and as a windbreak due to its dense growth habit.
Japanese Cedar thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It is relatively low maintenance but requires protection from strong winds. In cultivation, it is important to provide enough space for its mature size to avoid overcrowding. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. This species is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to prevent it from becoming too dry, which can lead to browning of the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese Cedar thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It is relatively low maintenance but requires protection from strong winds. In cultivation, it is important to provide enough space for its mature size to avoid overcrowding. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. This species is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to prevent it from becoming too dry, which can lead to browning of the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-70 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Moist, mountainous forests in Japan
Other Names
Common Names: Japanese Red-Cedar, Cryptomeria, Japanese-Cedar, Crittomeria, Sikkelcipres, Kryptomeria, 삼나무, 柳杉;日本柳杉, Sugi
Scientific Names: , Cryptomeria japonica, Cryptomeria japonica var. radicans, Cryptomeria japonica f. araucarioides, Cryptomeria japonica var. nana, Cryptomeria japonica f. nana, Cryptomeria japonica subsp. radicans, Cryptomeria elegans, Cryptomeria araucarioides, Cryptomeria nana
GBIF Accepted Name: Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D.Don