Featured Plant

The Japanese Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica), from Japan and Southern China, can be found on the University of Maryland campus at the H.J. Patterson building. This tree requires medium amounts of water and a full amount of sunlight. The best soil conditions include easily drainable, acidic, and fertile soil. The average height that the Japanese Cryptomeria can reach is between 50 to 60 feet, and the average width that it can reach is between 20 to 30 feet. The best use for this tree is for screening purposes.

The leaves, or in this case, needles that make up the canopy of the tree are “awl-shaped”, and blue and green in color. The needles are short in their size, as they are only ¾ inch in length. Along with the needles, there are also cones on the tree which grow to be 1 inch. The main problems that are associated with this tree include leaf spots and blight. This is a low maintenance tree that does not have many problems concerning pests and diseases.

A fun fact about the Japanese Cryptomeria is that it is the national tree for Japan and it grows much larger there then it does in the US.

Written by Intern Cameron Smith

Works Cited

NC State Extension: Cryptomeria japonica. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2018, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/cryptomeria-japonica/

Missouri Botanical Garden: Cryptomeria japonica. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2018, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a158