KoolKat® Katsuratree
Scientific Name: Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'KoolDak'
Family: Cercidiphyllaceae
Location on Campus: 46.892156, -96.802125
Description: Non-U.S. native tree. Katsuratree has beautiful fall colors, ranging from yellowto apricot, with a pleasing smell in the falling leaves. Its form is heavily impacted by cultivar, with both upright growing and weeping varieties to choose from.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8
Native Habitat: China and Japan
Mature Size: Height: 40’ to 60’, Spread: 20’ to 30’
Form (Shape): Pyramidal while young, variable when mature. Many different pendulous cultivars exist.
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Foliage: Deciduous. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, fading to green in the summer. Fall has a large variance in color, ranging from yellow to apricot and orange.
Texture: Medium-fine
Flowers: Separate male and female flowers bloom purple in early spring before the leaves bud out. Neither are ornamental.
Fruit: Small, ½", banana shaped pods. 2-4 borne together
Light: Full sun to Part sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; pH adaptable
Propagation: Seeds and softwood cuttings
Failure Patterns: Sun scald and bark splitting may occur
Insects and Diseases: None serious
Landscape Use: Residential, parks, commercial areas
Availability: Not very available in the upper Midwest, but is more commonly available further South.
