Cercidiphyllum magnificum - Katsura tree

The Cercidiphyllum magnificum, like its cousin, the C. japonicum, has the curious name of caramel tree, which is explained by the light fragrance emitted by its foliage in autumn. Its almost round, or heart-shaped leaves emerge in a bronze hue, before turning green. In autumn, they turn yellow, sometimes even pink-purple. A compact tree with relatively fast growth, it is well suited to small gardens in cold or humid regions. However, it will not thrive in the south, as it dislikes drought.

The Cercidiphyllum magnificum is the second species in the very limited family of Cercidiphyllaceae. This Japanese species grows in a limited geographical area, confined to the subalpine zone of the Japanese Alps, on the island of Honshu (the large central island of Japan). It is found notably around the city of Nikko, a famous municipality in Japan that extends from 200 to over 2400 metres above sea level! Extremely hardy, the C. Magnificum rarely exceeds 10 metres in height in its natural habitat, and often develops with multiple trunks. However, it can also grow with a single trunk, resulting in a small tree with a pyramidal or conical habit. It is generally found in its habitat alongside other woody plants, such as the epaulette tree (Pterostyrax hispida), which is also rare in our gardens, the Acer shirazawanum which has produced some beautiful horticultural varieties, and the Erman's birch.
The C. magnificum was introduced to the West in the form of seeds sent by the University of Tokyo to the famous Arnold Arboretum, a gigantic tree collection on 114 hectares affiliated with Harvard University in Boston. This relatively recent introduction explains why there are few old specimens outside of Japan. One of them, planted in 1975 in a Scottish botanical garden, reached a height of 12 metres in 2012, but most often, this species reaches a height of 6–8 metres, with a width of 4–5 metres in our latitudes. Its natural hardiness has allowed it to be planted as far as Scandinavia, but on the other hand, it is not suitable for our Mediterranean regions with their much drier summers.
This tree, which is more compact than the C. japonicum, can be recognised by its smoother trunk, of a beautiful brown colour, which only develops cracks when it reaches a respectable diameter. It also has larger leaves than its cousin, with relatively variable shapes depending on the individuals. Some are slightly heart-shaped, others kidney-shaped, with a well-rounded tip and a more or less cordate base (forming two rounded lobes on either side of the petiole), or even almost round. When they emerge in spring, the young leaves have a bronze colour, which then disappears to turn green. When autumn arrives, they turn yellow, sometimes even pink-purple depending on the individuals and the soil, creating a magnificent scene before they fall.
As this tree is dioecious, the plants are either male or female, but in both cases, the flowering is too insignificant to be ornamental. Devoid of petals, the flowers appear early, along with the leaves, and are reddish in colour.

This rare Cercidiphyllum will please enthusiasts of autumn colours and graphic foliage. Above all, it will allow residents of the coldest areas to confidently plant a caramel tree, while the C. japonicum is less resistant to cold, especially spring frosts. It can be planted as a specimen on a lawn, but will be more at home in a border, on the edge of large trees. The Hamamelis vernalis Washington Park will be a good companion, with its winter purple blooms and magnificent autumn colours, ranging from yellow to orange and red. The Carolina silverbell tree (Halesia carolina) would also thrive in similar climatic conditions, with its decorative white spring flowers and beautiful autumn colours. And to extend the flowering period and enjoy a range of almost infinite flower shapes and colours, there's nothing like the beautiful Camellias with their beautiful dark green foliage and romantically charming flowers.