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Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Pinales
Family:
Cupressaceae (Cypress)
Type:
Evergreen tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
40 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, mountains, parks, roadsides, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Green, no petals
 
Flowers are green and inconspicuous. The yellow pollen of Japanese Cedar is often responsible for sneezing and hay fever.
Fruit:
Green cones at the tips of the branches, later turning brown. 2cm in diameter. In fruit from October to March.
Leaves:
Dense, tiny, awl-shaped leaves which spiral around the branches.
Other Names:
Japanese Red Cedar, Japanese Redwood, Sugi.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Cryptomeria japonica, also known as Japanese cedar or sugi, is a species of evergreen tree in the cypress family. It is native to Japan, where it is widely cultivated for its wood and as an ornamental plant. The tree is known for its conical shape, dense foliage, and reddish-brown bark. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is often found in gardens, parks, and along roadsides. Cryptomeria japonica is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree and is valued for its attractive appearance and fast growth rate. The wood of the tree is also used in construction, furniture, and papermaking.

Blog

Japanese Cedar: The Majestic Tree of Japan

The Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) is a species of coniferous tree native to Japan. Also known as Sugi in Japan, the Japanese Cedar is an iconic tree that has been used for thousands of years in Japanese culture. It is a popular ornamental tree and a vital part of Japanese culture and history.

The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and can live for up to 2,000 years. It has a distinctive, conical shape and the branches grow in a spiral pattern. The bark of the Japanese Cedar is reddish-brown and it has dark green, needle-like leaves that grow in tufts at the ends of the branches.

Japanese Cedar has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. The tree has been used to build shrines, temples, and palaces, as well as traditional Japanese homes. The wood of the tree is strong, durable, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for construction.

In addition to its cultural significance, the Japanese Cedar also has ecological value. The tree helps to prevent soil erosion and provides a habitat for various species of wildlife, including insects and birds. The tree also helps to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality.

The Japanese Cedar is also a popular ornamental tree, used in landscaping and gardening. Its attractive shape and distinctive color make it a popular choice for parks and gardens, both in Japan and around the world.

The Japanese Cedar is a magnificent tree that has played an important role in Japanese culture and history. Its strength, durability, and beauty make it a valuable tree both ecologically and culturally. Whether you are interested in Japanese culture or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Japanese Cedar is a tree worth discovering.

The Japanese Cedar is a unique tree that is well-known for its beauty, durability, and cultural significance. The tree is commonly used in traditional Japanese architecture and is an important part of Japanese culture.

One of the unique features of the Japanese Cedar is its bark, which is fibrous and has a reddish-brown color. This bark provides insulation for the tree, making it more resistant to the elements. Additionally, the tree has a strong and durable wood that is ideal for construction. The wood is also resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for buildings, furniture, and other structures.

The tree is also known for its role in traditional Japanese forest therapy, or Shinrin-yoku. Shinrin-yoku is the practice of immersing oneself in nature and using the senses to connect with the environment. The Japanese Cedar is often used as a focal point for this practice, as its scent and appearance are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body.

The tree is also used in the production of incense, which is an important part of Japanese culture. The wood is burned to produce a unique and pleasant scent, which is believed to have a calming effect and improve overall well-being.

In terms of its ecology, the Japanese Cedar is a valuable tree in Japan and around the world. The tree provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and helps to prevent soil erosion. Additionally, the tree helps to improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

The Japanese Cedar is a magnificent tree with a rich cultural and ecological heritage. Whether you are interested in Japanese culture, traditional architecture, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Japanese Cedar is a tree worth exploring.

The Japanese Cedar is a unique and valuable species that has been appreciated for centuries for its beauty, strength, and cultural significance. The tree is also known for its ecological importance, as it provides habitat for wildlife and helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

One of the most notable aspects of the Japanese Cedar is its distinctive shape. The tree has a conical shape with branches that grow in a spiral pattern, making it a visually stunning addition to any landscape. The tree's green needles are soft to the touch and have a pleasant aroma, adding to its beauty and sensory appeal.

In terms of its cultural significance, the Japanese Cedar has been used in Japanese architecture for centuries. The tree's strong and durable wood was used to build shrines, temples, and other traditional buildings, as well as furniture and other objects. The tree is also a symbol of longevity and good fortune, making it a popular choice for religious and cultural ceremonies.

The Japanese Cedar is also used in traditional Japanese medicine, as the resin and oil extracted from the tree have been used to treat various ailments. The tree's oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it a valuable resource in traditional medicine.

In addition to its cultural and medicinal significance, the Japanese Cedar also has ecological value. The tree provides habitat for wildlife, such as insects and birds, and helps to prevent soil erosion. Additionally, the tree acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and improving air quality.

In conclusion, the Japanese Cedar is a unique and valuable tree with a rich cultural, medicinal, and ecological heritage. Whether you are interested in Japanese culture, traditional medicine, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the Japanese Cedar is a tree worth exploring.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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