Japanese Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica
ID
HORT-12NP
Summary
Foliage: Short awl-shape needles; evergreen
Height: About 60 feet
Spread: About 25 feet
Shape: Conical to narrow conical
Main Features
Japanese cryptomeria is a handsome medium to large conifer with a conical to narrow conical form. This species is fast growing and is relatively popular in the trade. If lower limbs are removed, one can observe a beautiful orange-brown bark (on most trees). The foliage tends to turn brownish on the south side of the plant in winter due to desiccation; however, foliage will turn green in spring. Japanese cryptomeria does have a few disease problems, although these are not considered a major issue at this point in time. Reports of a branch dieback disease incidence in the southeast U.S., some leading to tree death, have been surfacing in the last several years; at present, there are no definitive diagnoses. Some cultivars are less hardy than the species. ‘Elegans’ is a beautiful dwarf cultivar with long (juvenile) awl-like needles that turn a purplish-brown in the winter; however, this cultivar has been especially disease-prone in southwestern Virginia.
Plant Needs
Zone: (5) 6 to 8
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Average; somewhat drought tolerant
Soil type: Average
pH range: Acid
Functions
Japanese cryptomeria is certainly worthy of specimen status (featured alone due to sufficiently attractive attributes). Because it is a relatively fast-growing conifer, it makes an attractive border species if there is enough room to accommodate its large size.
Care
There are no special care recommendations for this species except to irrigate in periods of drought.
Additional Information
There are numerous cultivars of Japanese cryptomeria that vary in form (dwarf, narrow, and compact) and foliage types (variegated, spiraled, and long-needled). An especially attractive Japanese cryptomeria planting lines the entranceway of the National Arboretum bonsai collection (Washington DC).
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.
Publication Date
February 1, 2024