SelecTree

A Tree Selection Guide

JAPANESE CRYPTOMERIA

Cryptomeria japonica

FAMILY Cupressaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

JAPANESE CEDAR

CRYPTOMERIA

JAPANESE RED CEDAR

See: all Cryptomeria
Photo locations: Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL, UC Davis Arboretum - Davis, CA, San Luis Obispo, CA, National Arboretum - Washington, DC and Los Angeles County Arboretum - Arcadia, CA and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA
by C. Stubler, J. Reimer, M. Ritter

GENERAL INFO

Resistant to Oak Root Fungus. Smog tolerant.
Native range: Japan

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: ConicalFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 70 feetCanopy Width: 40 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: NeedleLeaf color: Blue Green or Medium Green or Bronze or PurpleReproduction: Has either male or female reproductive parts (dioecious)Cones: Medium Brown ConePollen time: FallBark Color: Red Brown, Exfoliating

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Water Use Rating: HighSunset Climate Zone: 4 - 9, 14 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9Soil Texture: Loam or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: No known hazardsDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.

External Resources

WikipediaiNaturalistKewThe Wood Database

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Cryptomeria japonica Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 6, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/460 >

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