The timber of the tall Japanese cedar tree is treasured for building. This giant evergreen belongs to the cypress family and thrives on the islands of Japan. Grown for centuries, the tree's scientific name is Cryptomeria japonica. Locals refer to this native tree as Sugi. Mature trees can tower 50 meters with reddish bark peeling in strips. Needle-like leaves spiral around the trunk in rich hues of green. The tree is monoecious with male and female parts. Yellow male flowers and small green female blooms occur on the same plant. Seeds develop in small woody cones that drop during cold months. Valued for construction and furniture, the soft aromatic wood is in great demand. The graceful tree also enhances gardens and parks. Cultivated varieties like 'Elegans' and 'Sekkan-sugi' add interest with foliage in shades of blue-green and yellow. Hardy and versatile, Cryptomeria japonica remains a cherished native plant providing beauty and bounty to Japan.
Japanese red-cedar
- Scientific name
- Cryptomeria japonica
Basic Information
- Cupressaceae Family Cryptomeria Genus Japanese red-cedar Species
- Cupressaceae > Cryptomeria > Cryptomeria japonica
- 83%
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- Tree
- Height
- 300000cm ~
- Flower Color
- Leaf Color
- Anthesis
- Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun Long hours of sunlight from morning to afternoon Partial Shade A location in the shade of a tree or where either the morning or afternoon is shaded Full Shade A place where there is no direct sunlight
- Full Sun
- Hardiness Zones
This is an indicator to know to which zone each plant can winter. Knowing the zone of each plant gives you an idea of the cold temperature resistance when grown in the ground without a roof. 2: -42.7 to -40.0 3: -39.9 to -34.4 4: -34.3 to -28.9 5: -28.8 to -23.3 6: -23.2 to -17.8 7: -17.7 to -12.2 8: -12.1 to -6.7 9: -6.6 to -1.1 10: -1.0 to 4.4 11: 4.5 to 10.0
- 6
- Cold resistance
- Excellent
- Heat resistance
- Fair
- Habitat of origin
- Japan
- Growth Rate
- Normal
What is Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)?
What is Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Flower meaning
The plant scientific name Cryptomeria japonica, a tall Japanese evergreen tree, symbolizes never-ending youthfulness and life span in America. This meaning comes from the tree's ability to live very long and withstand difficult conditions, seen as representing strength and long life. The attractive, graceful tree is frequently used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. In the symbolic language of plants, the Japanese tree's meaning of never-ending youth and longevity likely relates to its enduring nature and the idea it has the power to let people live longer who appreciate its beauty. However, it's important to know plant symbolism can differ between cultures and times, so understandings may not be the same.
Calendar of Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Calendar
The tree called Japanese red cedar holding the scientific name Cryptomeria japonica is indigenous to the country of Japan. On the continent of North America , this conifer tree is often seen in areas of the southeast. During the late winter and early spring, specifically the months of February to April, is when this tree's flowers come into bloom. At the time of flowering, this tree makes very small and not showy at all flowers. In the month of March is when the flowers are at their greatest, when they are completely open and can be more simply observed. The period when the flowers are blooming endures for about 2 to 3 weeks. To help the flowers bloom for more time, make sure to give the tree adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. After the flowers, pruning the tree can also assist with better blooming the next year.
How to grow Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Watering
The optimal time period and style of irrigating the Japanese red-cedar biennial depends on miscellaneous influences, comprehending weather variances and terrain dampness. Throughout the maturation season, normally developing from springtime to pre-autumn, the biennial ought to be irrigated regularly to conserve terrain wetness. A widespread principle is to irrigate the biennial profoundly once every 7-10 24 hour periods, ensuring the terrain is evenly damp but not waterlogged. The quantity of water needed can differ contingent on influences like heat and rainfall, however a satisfactory general guideline is to supply around 1 inch of water weekly. In winter, when the biennial is dormant, irrigating ought to be decreased to impede overwatering and root decomposition. It is essential to observe the terrain dampness level and adapt irrigating consequently to evade both underwatering and overwatering.
Soil and Fertilizer
The Cryptomeria japonica tree, known scientifically as Japanese redwood, grown in porous, loamy terrain, rich in organic compounds, and a pH scale of 5.5-6.5. Twice annually in spring and fall, spread one to two pounds of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 balanced, delayed release plant food evenly around the base, not touching the trunk. Test dirt regularly to regulate nutritional levels and fertilizer amounts. With ideal terrain and nutrients, Japanese redwood will flourish fully.
Sunlight and Place
The coniferous Japanese tree that goes by the botanical name Cryptomeria japonica can endure cold weather to around minus ten degrees Celsius, thus making it appropriate for areas with mild winters. However, extremely freezing climes which plunge below that point might be too harsh. When it comes to warmth endurance, the Japanese conifer is quite flexible and can bear highs up to thirty-five degrees. Note that extended exposure to extreme heat can strain the tree, so giving some shade during the hottest time of day can help. For ideal development, the Japanese conifer favors a temperature range of fifteen to twenty-five degrees Celsius. This provides the best conditions for its growth. During summer, it is wise to give the Japanese conifer adequate water and ensure drainage to prevent waterlogging, which will aid coping with the heat. Regarding sunlight, the Japanese conifer thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can handle varying sunlight intensities, performing best with moderate to high sunlight. It is recommended to give the plant a minimum of six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth.
Advanced Information of Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Pruning
Linnean named Cryptomeria japonica, evergreen coniferous tree encountered in East Asia, central China keeps strong by scheduled criticism and skinning backward for reach its configuration and support flourishing augmentation. Reproving important to remote defunct or afflicted offshoots, ameliorate aerial object, and preclude congestion. It also betters to govern the dimension of the hedge and reject it from suitable excessively enormous for its surroundings. The finest period to reprove Japanese red-cedar is during deferred boreal or premature spring up, earlier recent enlargement starts. This lets the hedge remedy fast and minimize the danger of affliction or irritant contagion. When reproving, it weighty to fashion clean cleaves truthful overhead a gem or side branch. Afterward reproving, it recommended to remote whatever flotsam and apply a stratum of litter circumambient the pedestal of the hedge to conserve dampness and subdue weed enlargement. Habitual reproving and skinning backward consent benefit preserve the vigor and figure of Japanese red-cedar.
Planting and Harvest
The evergreen tree scientifically referred to as Cryptomeria japonica is known as the Japanese cedar by laypeople. This popular plant makes an excellent choice for either in-ground landscape planting or pot cultivation. For container gardening, select an adequately sized pot with drainage holes. Prior to transplanting the tree, add a commercial potting medium designed for woody plants to the container. Gently remove the sapling's root ball from the original nursery pot. Position the central part of the root mass in the middle of the new pot. Backfill with more potting mix around the sides, ensuring the original soil level remains constant. Saturate the plant after transplanting. Site the container where it will receive bright but indirect sun rays. Check soil moisture routinely, watering thoroughly when dry. Apply a granular, time-release plant food as directed on the label. Every few years, shift the tree into a bigger pot when outgrown. Slide the root ball from the old container, pruning any circular roots. Repot in fresh medium in the larger pot at the same level as before. Improper care causes decline. Overwatering can lead to deadly root rot. Underwatering results in dryness and stress. Maintain a balance between extremes. Also shelter from temperature extremes and strong winds.
Propagation
Japanese red-cedar often called the Hinoki cypress, has varied propagation techniques. These include placing seeds, breaking off segments with roots, snipping off parts to be rooted, or planting veins of leaves. To start new plants from seeds, get fully ripe cones and remove the seeds within. Soak in water a day before putting into well-draining soil in pots. Lightly water and give indirect light. Another way is division, carefully breaking the tree into smaller parts, each with some roots. Pot these divisions singly in well-draining soil and water well. Stem cuttings of 4-6 inches from healthy plants is another route. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting gel and place in potting mix. Keep warm and humid as they root. For leaf cuttings, use healthy leaves cut into sections with a vein. Plant these in mix, keep moist. Mature plants can be selectively harvested when parts like cones or leaves are fully grown.
Pests and Diseases
Japanese red-cedar, scientifically termed as Cryptomeria japonica, is prone to several insect pests and fungal diseases. The Cryptomeria scale insect is a common sap-feeding pest that induces yellowing and withering of the tree's foliage. Insecticidal soaps or oils can help control these tiny insects if applied early. The Japanese cedar longhorn beetle is another insect pest whose larvae tunnel into the wood, disrupting vascular tissues. Infested trees exhibit wilting, dieback, and potential death. Proper sanitation by removing infested wood helps prevent beetle attacks. Regarding diseases, the fungus Phomopsis juniperovora causes cankers on the bark leading to dieback of branches. Pruning infected wood and applying fungicides can help manage this Sugi bark blight disease. Furthermore, various soilborne fungi can cause lethal root rot diseases. These fungi decay the roots, resulting in the withering of the tree. Good drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using clean planting stock helps prevent root rots. The susceptibility of Japanese red-cedar to pests and diseases depends on environmental conditions and the tree's overall health. Regular monitoring, proper care, and timely action are key to maintaining this plant's vigor.
Habitat of Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Habitat
Toxicity of Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Health Benefits
- edible
- Inedible
- Toxic
- No toxicity
NO DATA
Toxic for dogs and cats
NO DATA
Q&A of Japanese red-cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
- Is there a recommended way to choose Cryptomeria japonica?
The Japanese red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica, greatly utilized as an evergreen tree, has many varieties. The 'Elegans' tree has compact stature as well as pleasant blue-green foliage. The 'Sekkan-sugi' tree is small with golden-yellow foliage. 'Yoshino' tall tree with pyramidal shape and dark green foliage. 'Globosa Nana' small tree rounded shape and dense foliage. When getting seeds, select fresh plump ones no damage or discoloring. Pick seeds with good weight. For young trees, choose healthy strong stem and well-developed roots. Avoid yellow or wilted leaves, indicating poor health. It's crucial to select proper variety, seeds, or seedlings for thriving Japanese red-cedar.
- How Tall Can a Japanese Cedar Tree Grow?
A Japanese Cedar known as Cryptomeria japonica, known by its scientific name, contains the potential to reach impressive heights. Commonly, the trees can grow between 20 and 35 meters in height. However, in perfect environments, they are able to reach 70 meters tall. This height depends largely on the surrounding conditions and care given. As a fast-growing tree, the Japanese Cedar grows quickly in its early life, particularly when provided moist, drained soil and full sunlight exposure.
- How to Grow a Japanese Red Cedar as a Bonsai?
An aspiring bonsai enthusiast eager to nurture a dwarf Japanese Red Cedar into a miniature tree sculpture should first obtain a vigorous, juvenile specimen. After replanting their new sapling in porous, freely draining soil, position it where ample ambient light can reach its branches without scorching its delicate needles. Consistent hydration is imperative, however take care not to saturate its roots for prolonged periods, as excess moisture invites lethal decay. Through patient, gradual pruning shape the crown into the desired form, but avoid stressing the plant with overly zealous trimming. Remember that developing bonsai is a gradual, meditative process requiring attentive care for the health and growth of the tree. Finally, feed a balanced fertilizer to nourish the plant without promoting unchecked growth that could spoil its scale and proportions.