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  6. Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Common names: Katsura tree, Candyfloss or Caramel tree 

Irish name: N/A 

Latin name: Cercidiphyllum japonicum 

Family: Cercidiphyllaceae 

Origin: Non-native 

Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf

How it Looks

Shape, bark and twigs 

Katsura is a medium sized deciduous tree, often with multiple stems or branches. It is a single or multi-trunked, understory tree with dense branches and thin twigs at their ends. It is pyramidal in shape when young, adopting a rounder shape as it ages. It typically matures to approximately 12-18m tall in cultivation, but can reach 30m or more in the wild. Smooth and brown when the tree is young, the bark becomes more textured and develops a grey to reddish brown colour as it matures. 

Buds  

In the spring, the leaves of these trees emerge with a reddish-purple hue. 

Leaves 

The Katsura tree leaves are paired, broadly heart shaped and up to 10cm in length. As Summer sets in, they mature into a medium green colour with a subtle bluish tint. Come Autumn, the leaves transform into vibrant shades of gold, orange, and red. During this time the leaves smell of burnt sugar or candyfloss, hence why it is often referred to as the Candyfloss tree. 

Flowers  

In the Spring, tiny flowers emerge on these trees before the leaves do. On male trees, the flowers are red, while on female trees, they are green, though they are not very noticeable 

Fruits 

After pollination, the female trees produce clusters of greenish pods (fruits) about 2cm long that contain numerous small, flattened and winged seeds. 

Where to find it

This tree is native to China but is grown in many other countries for its ornamental qualities. It grows best moist, yet well-drained, neutral to acidic soil. 

Cultural Importance

History | Myth | Literature 

History 

The first part of the scientific name for the Katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum, refers to the shape of its leaves which resemble the leaves of the red bud tree or Cercis, as it translates in Latin. However, its common name is connected with the village of Katsura, which lies on the outskirts of Kyoto. This area is particularly famous for the 17th century Imperial villa of Prince Toshitada, the gardens of which are home to many Katsura trees. It has been suggested that the name, Katsura, may derive from words in Old Japanese which combine to give the meaning, ‘that which gives off a good smell’. References to the katsura in early Medieval Chinese and Japanese texts indicate that the tree has been a significant part of both cultures for hundreds of years.  

Katsura trees can live for thousands of years and a number of ancient examples can be found throughout Japan, some of which have become Shinto shrines. One such tree is the 2000-year-old Grand Katsura of Itoi, which has also been designated a national monument. The Katsura tree is a well-known ornamental species. However, historically, different parts of the tree were used in China to make glue and birdlime. Katsura wood has also been used to make furniture and game boards or ‘goban’ for the Japanese board game ‘Go’, which has been played continuously for at least 2,500 years. 

The Katsura tree was introduced to the ‘West’ in 1865 by the horticulturalist, Thomas Hogg. It subsequently became a popular ornamental tree in both North America and Europe. Examples can be found throughout the UK and Ireland, such as the UK Champion Katsura at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley and the specimen in the President’s Garden in the UCC arboretum. 

Myth, Legend and Folklore 

The Katsura tree is a motif in Chinese and Japanese myth and folklore. According to one early Chinese text it was believed that there was a Katsura tree and a toad on the moon - an explanation for the shadow that can be seen on the moon. As the story goes, a man was exiled to the moon and turned into a toad as punishment for drinking the elixir of mortality. Adding a further dimension to this eternal punishment, he was tasked with cutting down the Katsura tree on the moon, which grew back each time he cut it down.  

In Japanese mythology, the village of Katsura was believed to be the site of the Moon God’s sacred tree, through which the Moon God could incarnate on earth. As a result, the Katsura tree came to be associated with deities and was believed to connect heaven and earth. 

Another legend from Japan tells that the ‘Tartara’ method of ironmaking, traditional to the Shimane Prefecture, was gifted to the region by the God Kanayagokami, who flew down to earth on the back of a white heron which landed on a Katsura tree. Hence, the Katsura tree has come to be linked with the Tartara iron-making tradition, and its autumn colours are thought to the reflect the flames of the iron foundry fire.  

Literature 

The Katsura tree features in Chinese and Japanese literature, especially in Murasaki Shikibu’s, 11th century Genji Monogatari or Tale of Genji, in which she writes poetically about the grandeur of the Katsura area. This work later inspired Prince Toshitada’s 17th century poetry about Katsura and the Katsura tree.  

Value to Wildlife

Katsura provides habitat for insects and birds. 

Threats

While its leaves can become damaged if exposed to extreme heat, dryness, or strong winds, Cercidiphyllum japonicum generally does not suffer significantly from pests or diseases. Nevertheless, due to overharvesting for commercial purposes, the tree is now considered endangered.   

Uses

In addition to its ornamental value, Katsura is used to make furniture, cardboard boxes and in interior design. 

References

Irish Tree Explorers Network

Líonra Taiscéalaí Crainn na hÉireann

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