Katsura tree Plant Care

Katsura tree (Lindera obtusiloba) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Lindera genus. Katsura tree is native to China, Korea and Japan. Katsura tree is also known as Japanese spicebush.

Katsura tree displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Katsura tree produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Katsura tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Katsura tree thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Lindera obtusiloba tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Katsura tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Katsura tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Katsura tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Katsura tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Katsura tree can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Katsura tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Katsura tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Katsura tree can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spicebush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Katsura tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Katsura tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Katsura tree is native to China, Korea and Japan. In cooler regions, grow Katsura tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.