October 2026
LATIN NAME: Cercidiphyllum japonicum
COMMON NAME: Katsura
FAMILY: Cercidiphyllaceae
TYPE: Deciduous Tree
ORIGIN: China, Japan
GARDEN USES: Fall Color, Sensory
LOCATION AT THE RESERVE: Japanese Garden, Residence
FUN FACT: Autumn marks the beginning of a distinctive sensory change in our Katsura trees. As the leaves senesce and change color, they develop a sweet fragrance often described as resembling burnt sugar, caramel, or cotton candy. This aroma is associated with maltol, a naturally occurring compound that is released from the leaves as they break down. The fragrance is particularly noticeable from the fallen leaves during the early stages of decomposition. To read and learn more about fall color, click here.
–Content by Gardens North Manager Sean Peterson
Katsura Tree, Japanese Garden, Bloedel Reserve
