Japanese Cedar Seeds

Cryptomeria Japonica seeds

Habitat

native to China and Japan
hardy to zone 6
Habit and Form

an evergreen coniferous tree
pyramidal or conical with a single trunk
dense when young, developing more clustered, tiered branching with age
has a graceful habit
medium texture

Summer Foliage

evergreen, spirally arranged, awl-shaped needles
needles are 4-angled and curve inward with a slight twist
needles persist 4 to 5 years
the first needles produced each year are shorter than later needles
dark green to bluish-green color; glossy

Autumn Foliage

evergreen foliage develops a distinct bronze to brown color during cold months, especially in windy exposed locations
foliage regreens in the spring

Flowers

monoecious, with male and female flowers
inconspicuous
Fruit

terminal cones are produced
cones are 0.5″ to 1″ diameter and are globe-shaped
color is dark brown

Bark

a very nice reddish-brown
it shreds in long strips, not unlike Chamaecyparis sp.
quite showy

Culture

prefers a rich, deep, moist soil that is light and contains significant organic matter
full sun is best
protection from wind is essential
likes a moderated environment
Landscape Use

as a specimen tree
for decoration
could be used in groupings as a large screen
Liabilities

most notable is the limitation of insufficient cold hardiness for exposed locations in zone 6 or colder
winter burn and injury
possibly difficult to find
retained dead foliage can detract
ID Features

evergreen, spirally-arranged needles persist 4 to 5 years
conical shape with tufted or plumed foliage
red-brown shredding bark
distinct bronze color in cold months
Propagation

by seed
by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties

‘Lobbii’ – This is a fastigiate/columnar form, growing to 30′ tall and much less wide. The foliage is deep green, bronzing in cold weather.

‘Vilmoriniana’ – A compact form to about 3′ tall. Has dense foliage that turns a mottled gold and purple color in the fall. A good rock garden plant. Numerous other dwarf selections exist with slight variations on this dwarf theme.

‘Yoshino’ – Perhaps the most commonly available form in New England nurseries. The summer foliage is blue-green and it bronzes in winter to a purplish-brown hue. Reports indicate fast growth and pyramidal habit to 30′ tall.