Overview
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Cercidiphyllaceae. It is commonly known as Katsura tree and is native to Japan and China. The scientific name Cercidiphyllum comes from the Greek words 'kerkos' meaning 'tail', 'phyllon' meaning 'leaf', and 'phylloides' meaning 'like'. This refers to the shape of the leaves of this plant.
Appearance
The Katsura tree can reach a height of about 40-60 feet and can spread up to 30-40 feet. It has a pyramidal crown shape in its youth that becomes more rounded as it matures. The bark of the younger tree is smooth and brown, while that of the older tree is gray-brown and has a fissured texture. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a bluish-green color that changes to yellow-orange in the fall. The Katsura tree bears small, inconspicuous flowers that are red in color. The fruit of the tree is a small, rounded capsule that contains several seeds.
Uses
The Katsura tree is aesthetically pleasing, making it a popular choice as an ornamental tree for gardens and parks. The leaves of this plant are edible and have a sweet fragrance, leading to its use as a flavoring agent in East Asian cuisine. The wood of this plant is soft and is used to make furniture, boxes, and paper. The bark of the tree is used for medicinal purposes to treat skin ailments like eczema and rashes. This plant is used in landscaping, as it is tolerant of pruning and can be trained to grow in various forms.
Cultivation
The Katsura tree prefers moist soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. It can grow in partial shade or full sun and is sensitive to drought conditions. This plant requires regular watering and fertilization during its growth period. It is hardy to USDA zones 4-8 making it an ideal tree for many regions in the United States.
Conclusion
The Katsura tree, also known as Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc., is a charming deciduous tree that is admired for its aesthetic appeal. This plant has a rich cultural history, with its leaves being used as a flavoring agent and the bark of the tree being used for medicinal purposes. The Katsura tree is relatively easy to cultivate, making it an ideal plant for landscaping and gardening.
Light Requirements
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. typically grow best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can also grow in full sun as long as the soil is consistently moist.
Temperature Requirements
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. grow best in areas where the temperature ranges between 60-70°F (15.6-21.1°C) during the growing season. During winter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C).
Soil Requirements
These plants prefer well-draining soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. It does best in soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, typically ranging from 5.5-7.5. Additionally, it prefers soils that have high organic matter content.
Cultivation Methods
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. (commonly known as Katsura tree) is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall and 20 meters wide. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is best to plant this tree in the spring or fall in a location where it can enjoy protection from strong winds and frost pockets. It is also recommended to avoid planting it under power lines or other structures, as it can grow quite tall.
Watering Needs
Katsura trees require moderate watering during the growing season to maintain soil moisture levels. This tree can tolerate periods of drought, but it is important to prevent it from becoming too dry. If the leaves of the tree start to wilt or turn brown around the edges, it may be a sign of under-watering. One way to maintain soil moisture is by mulching around the tree's base to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and development of foliage, it is important to fertilize Katsura trees appropriately. In the early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer at the base of the tree and water thoroughly. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excess foliage growth and a weaker tree structure. Additionally, it is recommended to perform a soil test annually to determine any nutrient deficiencies and apply the proper fertilizer as necessary.
Pruning
It is advisable to prune Katsura trees during the dormant season (winter to early spring) while the tree is still young. This helps to establish the plant's structure and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as well as any that cross or rub against each other. Using a clean, sharp pruning tool, make cuts just outside the branch collar to encourage proper healing and minimize the risk of infections. Once the tree is mature, it may only require minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size.
Propagation of Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc.
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. can be propagated through various methods including- seeds, cuttings, and tissue culture.
Propagation through Seeds:
Propagation through seeds is a simple method but can take time. The seeds need to be collected when they are fully ripe and sown immediately to avoid any loss of viability. The seeds should be sowed in well-draining soil and kept in a warm, moist place. The seeds germinate within 4-8 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots when they have grown large enough.
Propagation through Cuttings:
Propagation through cuttings is a popular method for Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. The cuttings obtained from the plant should be at least 8-10 inches long and taken in late summer. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. It should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, and then it can be transferred to individual pots.
Propagation through Tissue culture:
Propagation through tissue culture is a more advanced method, but it allows for the production of large numbers of identical plants. In this method, a small piece of tissue is taken from the plant and placed in a sterile environment that is rich in nutrients. Over time, the tissue grows and develops into a small plantlet, which can be transferred to individual pots once it has grown sufficiently.
Disease Management
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. is commonly affected by several diseases that can lead to decreased plant vigor and yield. Below are some of the most common diseases that affect the plant and how they can be managed:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, you can clean up and dispose of fallen leaves, avoid overhead watering, and keep the area around the plant free of debris. Fungicides can also be applied preventatively.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the plant's leaves, as well as cankers on stems and branches. To manage this disease, you can prune and remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides preventatively.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to decay, resulting in stunted growth and wilting. To manage this disease, you should ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plant parts. Fungicides may also be applied preventatively.
Pest Management
Cercidiphyllum Sieb. & Zucc. is also prone to damage by several pests. Below are some of the most common pests that affect the plant and how they can be managed:
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are small beetles that feed on the plant's foliage, causing skeletonization. To manage this pest, you can handpick the beetles, use pheromone traps, and apply insecticides preventatively.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's foliage, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To manage this pest, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs, spray with insecticidal soap, or use horticultural oils.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, hard, waxy bumps on the plant's stems and leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can prune and remove infected branches, spray with insecticidal soap, or apply horticultural oils.
