Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica · Evergreen Conifer, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Shade Tree, Ornamental, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
General species, often cultivated varieties like 'Elegans' or 'Yoshino'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
About This Tree
A large, majestic evergreen tree with a straight trunk, pyramidal to conical form, and a dense, graceful canopy of ascending or horizontal branches with pendulous branchlets. Features reddish-brown, fibrous, peeling bark.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like leaves that are spirally arranged, curving inward toward the stem, deep green turning slightly bronze or brownish in cold winter weather.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to gray-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips or fibrous long sheets as the tree matures, exposing a reddish inner bark.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan and parts of China; widely planted in temperate regions worldwide.
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round; produces tiny flowers in late winter or early spring, followed by small globose cones. Best planted in spring or early autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade. Prefers consistently moist, well-draining, acidic soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 50 to 70 feet in height with a spread of 20 to 30 feet in cultivation, though can grow much taller in native forests. Moderate to fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Valuable timber tree, excellent windbreak, attractive peeling reddish bark, and generally good resistance to most major pests and diseases.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites and cover for various birds and small mammals. The seeds are occasionally consumed by local wildlife.