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Japanese Cedar

The Japanese cedar or cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan. It is a handsome tree and only grows prettier with age, with the most striking feature being its pyramidal shape with dense branches, spreading in concentric circles. There are various dwarf cultivars that enhance the aesthetics of the tree even further, and they are used extensively in bonsai.

Japanese Cedar

Japanese Cedar Tree

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Subfamily	Taxodioideae
Genus	Cryptomeria
Scientific Name	Cryptomeria japonica

Yoshino Japanese Cedar

Black Dragon Japanese Cedar

Quick Information

Other Names	Japanese red cedar, sugi (Japanese), Japanese cryptomeria
Identification	Size: 230 feet (70 m) Trunk diameter: 13 ft (4 m) Leaves (Needles): Spirally arranged, 0.20-0.39 in (0.5-1 cm) Seeds (Cones): Globular, 0.40-0.79 in (1-2 cm) in diameter, 20-40 scales Bark: Red-brown, exfoliation occurs in vertical strips
Tree Type	Evergreen
Distribution/Range	Southern & central islands of Japan; also in China, and forestry plantations in the Azores Islands
Habitat	Hilly and mountainous forests at 3,280-8,202 feet (1,000-2,500 m)
Hardiness Zones	5-9
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Some Japanese specimens are believed to be over 650 years old, while some trees in China are almost 1,000
Growing Conditions	Winter Conditions: Not resistant to cold and dry winds Summer Conditions: Thrives in warm climate Rainfall: Not more than 47 in (1,200 mm) annually Water Requirement: Medium Soil: Rich, acidic, fertile, moist but well-drained Light Requirement: Full Sun, may withstand partial shade
Diseases & Pests	Leaf blight, Phytophthora root disease, Armillaria root rot; insects such as Japanese cedar longhorn beetle
Breeding System	Monoecious
Propagation	From seeds and cuttings
Seedling Development	Germination is relatively easy
Wildlife Value	Used as food by moth larvae of the Endoclita genus
Cultivars	Cryptomeria japonica ‘Cristata’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Aurea’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Kilmacurragh’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Nana’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Spiralis’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Kitayama’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Radicans’ Cryptomeria japonica ‘Little Diamond’
Uses	As an ornamental tree, fragrant foliage used to add incense to households, timber and wood insect and weather resistant, and used for making chests, bath tubs, staves, furniture and buildings.
IUCN Conservation Status	Near Threatened

Japanese Red Cedar

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Interesting Facts

The Japanese cedar was one of the primary causes behind the allergic hay fever outbreak in Japan, besides the Japanese cypress.
The Japanese cedar is a misnomer as, in fact, it belongs to the cypress family.
It is recognized as Japan’s national tree.