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Home > Cypress > Japanese Cedar

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

Japanese Cedar Tree

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

Yoshino Japanese Cedar

Black Dragon 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

Japanese Red Cedar

Dwarf Japanese 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.
Sugi Tree

Sugi Tree

Japanese Cedar Pictures

Japanese Cedar Pictures

Japanese Cedar Bonsai

Japanese Cedar Bonsai

Cryptomeria Japonica

Cryptomeria Japonica

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptomeria
  2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39149/2886821
  3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39149/2886821
  4. https://agrilife.org/etg/2013/08/26/japanese-cedar-an-underappreciated-evergreen/
  5. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/japanese-cryptomeria/

Published on December 5th 2016 by Sudipto Chakrabarti under Cypress.
Article was last reviewed on 5th December 2022.

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