Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is also known as the caramel tree, due to the light fragrance emitted by its foliage in autumn, evoking the delicious aroma of a freshly baked cake when stepping on the fallen leaves. A delightful companion for gardeners working under its canopy in autumn, this deciduous tree also captivates with its changing colours throughout the seasons: from pink-red in spring, gradually turning to bluish-green in summer, before the spectacular display of yellow, orange, pink, and red in autumn. Elegant, colourful, and fragrant, this medium-sized tree deserves to be planted in isolation where it can flourish unhindered.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is the only species in the Cercidiphyllaceae family, which is dedicated to it. This deciduous tree has a fairly fast growth rate and is native to China and Japan. It has become rare in its native range but is widely cultivated in the Western world in parks and gardens. When left to grow freely, it tends to develop multiple trunks, each forming a narrow fork, with short branches spreading horizontally in tiers. The overall habit is rather slender and conical but quite broad. While this tree can reach heights of 30 to 45m (98 to 147ft) in its native range, making it one of the tallest in the forest, it rarely exceeds 12 to 15m (39 to 49ft) in height in our climates, with a spread of 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft). Its heart-shaped leaves somewhat resemble those of the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum, a resemblance that likely led to its species name Cercidiphyllum, literally meaning "with leaves of Cercis." They measure approximately 7cm in diameter and have slightly dentate margins. In early season, they display a pinkish hue, then turn glaucous green to bluish-green, with a whitish underside. In autumn, they take on a beautiful yellow and purple colouration, sometimes even becoming pink. It is commonly believed that a slightly acidic soil enhances the intensity of the colours. It is at this time that the leaves emit their characteristic caramel fragrance, more or less pronounced. The spring flowering, with dull pink-red flowers, is of little interest, as male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The trunk is covered with a fairly regular grey-brown bark that quickly develops some superficial wrinkles. It slightly exfoliates over time.

We recommend planting the caramel tree in isolation, on a beautiful short grass meadow, to allow it to flourish freely. Alternatively, it can be surrounded by low shrubs or perennials that evolve throughout the seasons; for example, a lovely bushy Clematis heracleifolia, a Lespedeza thunbergii, silver candles, lady's mantle, Corydalis, or the Chrysanthemum 'Mei Kyo'.