Katsura Tree

Katsura is a deciduous shade tree from Japan and China, valued for rounded heart-shaped leaves and a broad, layered crown. Its foliage shifts from reddish purple as it emerges to blue-green in summer, then turns yellow in fall, when falling leaves may smell sweet. ## Garden placement Allow room for a mature tree about 40–60 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide. Full sun or partial shade suits it, and moist, well-drained soil helps protect its shallow roots; the tree is drought-sensitive and benefits from watering during dry periods. ## Seasonal character Male and female flowers grow on separate trees and are small rather than showy. The main display is the foliage, especially the yellow autumn color and the sweet scent released as leaves senesce. The species is native to northern Japan and China, where it occurs in moist woodland settings. ## Maintenance Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and keep roots cool, and water during dry spells. Avoid placing it in a hot, dry site where leaf scorch is more likely. Sources: [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/katsura-tree/); [Arnold Arboretum](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/plant-bios/katsura/); [Arnold Arboretum katsura guide](https://arboretum.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tree-of-the-Month-Katsura-2017.pdf).