The Katsura tree is native to Japan and China. It is a landscaper's delight for it shows many colors from the time it is planted to full maturity. Its heart-shaped leaves change color with each season and shades of magenta, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and apricot dress up this graceful tree. When these fall in autumn, the air is perfumed with a sweet and spicy scent. The bark then takes over, exfoliates and displays a splendid grey color. Weeping Katsura trees are popular and are available in most nurseries.

This tree belongs to the deciduous family. The leaves are not small and afford a decent amount of shade while decorating its place of pride. The flowers appear before the leaves and form pods of 2.5 to 3 cm long. A Katsura tree can attain a height of 60 - 65 ft and grows best in light, sunny conditions where water is sufficient and drain well off its roots. This is essential while the tree is young for it grows quickly and requires water. At this time it looks pyramid in shape till it is full-grown. Its canopy then spreads out and can survive drought conditions at this mature age. The roots often show above the surface, up to six inches or so, and spread around the thick base of the tree in classic style. This is the perfect tree to beautify a lawn for it is visually rewarding all year round.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas