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Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Chameleon'
(Katsura Tree)

Family - Cercidiphyllaceae
Category - Tree
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - up to 5m
Width - 3m

Description: A small, Deciduous tree with an upright, bushy habit. Rounded to heart-shaped leaves are dark green with pale green variegation around the margins. The foliage smells of candy floss or burnt sugar when crushed, this is most pronounced when the leaves are colouring and falling in autumn and the scent is carried on the air. Inconspicuous, petalless flowers are produced in early to mid-spring before the leaves emerge. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The foliage turns vibrant shades of red and butter yellow in autumn before falling.

Rare in cultivation.

Flower:

Dioecious. Small, petalless flowers are produced from March to April before the leaves emerge. Male flowers are red, female flowers are green, and they are produced on separate plants.

Flower colour: Red, green

Flower shape: Petalless flowers

Flowering time: March, April

Foliage:

Aromatic, rounded to Cordate leaves are dark green with irregular pale green variegation around the margins. The leaves are held in opposite pairs along the slender, dark branches. The foliage turns shades of red and butter yellow in autumn and give off a powerful scent of candyfloss before falling.

Foliage Senescence: Deciduous

Foliage Shape: Rounded to cordate

Autumn Colour: Yellow, red

Propagation:

Cuttings.

Cultivation:

Best in a sheltered position in partial shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained. This tree will tolerate some lime, but will perform best when planted in acidic soil. The young foliage may be damaged in a late frost.