Cryptomeria: Japanese Cedar
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Cryptomeria is the national tree of Japan. It can be found planted at many sacred sites and is also planted on a large scale as a forest tree. Only one species exists, Cryptomeria japonica.
It grows fast into a very large lofty, pyramidal or conical evergreen tree, with red-brown bark which peels in vertical strips. The wood is scented, waterproof, lightweight and strong, so it is used for all types of construction in Japan.
Though only one species of Cryptomeria exists, many ornamental varieties are in cultivation and are very suitable to Northwest landscapes. Portland Nursery carries a full selection of miniature to full-size forms to fit perfectly into the any garden site.
Cryptomerias are especially interesting because they offer a wide range of color and texture choices. During winter several varieties have foliage that changes color from green to bronze or burgundy. Some varieties are soft and plume-like foliage while others have branches and leaves that resemble dreadlocks or ringlets. Cryptomerias lend year round interest and are an excellent addition to the Northwest garden.
If you are looking for an interesting holiday tree, 'Black Dragon' is an excellent alternative to traditional Firs (Abies) and Spruces (Picea). Incredible black-green foliage clothes a compact conical tree. Semi-dwarf and slow-growing to 8-10'+.
A bizarre curious form of Japanese cedar, having short stout branches carrying cockscomb-like fasciated foliage that appears on growth tips with normal foliage. Narrow tree to 15'+.
A dwarf form of Japanese cedar, only 6' tall in many years, with a mounded form & excellent coppery purple winter color.
One of our most popular conifers, ‘Elegans’ has dense, soft, non-prickly juvenile foliage that turns rich copper red in winter, and back to blue-green with bronze tips in spring. It looks great as a backdrop for white-barked Birch (Betula) or mixed with gold-toned conifers. Grows into an upright oval shape, about 10-15’ x 5’ in 10 years, maturing at 30’ x 10’.
A new variety with striking 1" blue-green needles that turn bronze in winter. Mounding habit, mature at 3’ x 3’.
Miniature variety with tiny bright green needles that turn bronze in winter. Very tight, congested habit, growing only 1” per year to 10” in 10 years.
Creamy yellow new growth with rich green interior, upright narrow pyramid shape.
Grows 12"/yr, 25' x 10' at maturity.
Interesting foliage, many needles twist themselves around branches giving a spiral appearance. Not only grown for its curiosity value, but also an excellent shrub. Grows 6-10" per year, 30' x 10' given time.
A marvelous selection Japanese Cedar with rich bright blue green summer foliage. In winter it turns slightly bronze. A fast growing tall tree with a handsome habit. Grows 12-16" per year, to 40-45' tall.
Cryptomeria is available year-round.
Our best selection: October-April.
Family: Taxodiaceae
Common Name: Japanese Cedar or Sugi
Native: China and Japan
Foliage: Evergreen, awl-shaped, spirally arranged; 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, curving inward toward twig; green (may be bronze or brown in winter), persistent for several years.
Flowers: Monoecious; females round, light green, with loose scales; males light brown, appearing from leaf axils near branch tips; appearing in early spring.
Fruit: Round cone, 1 inch across, numerous sharp pointed scales giving it a spiny appearance; reddish brown.
Twig: Moderately stout and green for several years, drooping.
Bark: Attractive, vertically peeling in strips, reddish brown.
Size: Upright tree with a narrow crown; typically one straight trunk; finer branches drooping; can reach heights of 1 ft to 60 ft.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Fertile moist, but well drained, acidic
Disease: none serious in PNW
Hardiness: Zone (5)6-8(9)
We carry a wide variety of trees year-round. These represent only a fraction of what you will find and are some of our favorites. Note: Viewing a Native Plant will take you into our Native Plant section.
