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Common Name: Japanese Cedar

General Information

Cryptomeria japonica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Mountains and hills in areas of higher rainfall in S. and C. Japan[, ]. Rarely spontaneous[]. Forests on deep, well-drained soils subject to warm, moist conditions, 1100 - 2500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep rich moist alluvial soil and a sheltered position in full sun[, , ]. Tolerates very acid to somewhat alkaline soils, but becomes chlorotic on shallow soils over chalk[]. Plants are fairly wind-tolerant[].
A very ornamental tree[], it has been widely cultivated as a forestry tree for several centuries in Japan and there are many strains each adapted to the various local conditions[]. Many forms, almost all of them dwarf, have also been selected for their ornamental value[, ].
A fast-growing tree on deep, well-drained soils in montane areas with a warm, moist climate, but intolerant of poor soils and cold, drier climates[].
Occasionally planted for timber in Europe[], trees do not generally do as well as could be expected in Britain, the best specimens are to be found in the west, especially in the south-west[]. Trees can grow quite fast in the western part of the country with annual increases of 1 metre or more[]. New growth takes place from early June to August[]. Growth decreases rapidly with age, virtually ceasing when the tree reaches 25 metres[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Unlike most conifers, this species can be coppiced[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An oil and/or a resin from the plant is depurative and also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea[].

Other Uses

The leaves are very aromatic and are used as incense sticks[, , ].
A fairly wind-tolerant tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings[].
Wood - light, fragrant, fine grained[, ]. The wood is strongly rot resistant, easily worked, and is used for buildings, bridges, ships, lamp posts, furniture, utensils, and paper manufacture[, , , ]. The wood can be used as a substitute for Deal[]. Old wood that has been buried in the soil turns a dark green and is then much esteemed[, ].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. The seed germinates better if given a short cold stratification for 2 - 3 weeks at 4°c and is then placed in a warm position[]. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 9 weeks at 15°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. An alternative is to plant out the young trees into an outdoor nursery bed when they are about 8cm tall and grow them on for a couple of years before planting them into their permanent positions in late autumn or early spring[].
Cuttings in the autumn in a sandy soil in a cold frame.