Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’)

Features and Characteristics

Cryptomeria japonica, commonly called Japanese cedar or sugi, is a slender, pyramidal, evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching, which is slightly pendulous at the tips. Japanese cedar is a monotypic genus unrelated to the true cedars (Cedrus). It is native to forested areas in Japan and China where it typically grows as a single trunk tree to 150’ tall (infrequently taller) with an 8’ trunk diameter. It is the national tree of Japan where it is often planted at temples and shrines. In cultivation in the U.S., it grows much smaller, more typically to 50-60’ tall. Sharply-pointed, awl-shaped, fragrant, green to blue-green needles (to 3/4” long) are spirally arranged. Foliage is soft to the touch. Foliage may bronze in cold winters. Spherical fruiting cones (to 1” diameter) appear at the shoot ends. Reddish-brown bark exfoliates in strips.

This is a prized timber tree in its native habitat.

Compact and dwarf cultivars are commonly sold in commerce.

Genus name comes from the Greek krypto meaning to hide and meris meaning a part in reference to the flower parts being hidden.

Specific epithet means of Japan.

‘Yoshino’ is a symmetrical, pyramidal form that typically matures to 30-40′ tall and to 20-30′ wide. Lime-green to blue-green needles are evergreen. In comparison to the species, ‘Yoshino’ grows faster and its needles acquire fewer bronze tones in winter.