Katsura trees bloom insignificant green flowers in the spring. Female flowers transform into clusters of small pods that release winged seeds in the fall. New spring foliage is reddish purple, and summer leaves are blue-green; in the fall the Katsura’s leaves are apricot, raspberry, and orange, and emit a smell of brown sugar, caramels, and cotton candy throughout the air.
Trees vary from a pyramidal shape to a multi-stemmed, wide-spreading dense foliage that offers excellent shade, and oddly enough, does not attract wildlife. The root system is shallow, with some of the roots growing on the surface of the ground.
Because roots are shallow, these trees requires frequent watering. They are a bit sensitive when starting out, but once established, they are fast growers. Highly recommended for use in open areas, parks, and residential locations, the Katsura is essentially pest-free. It can, however, be troubled by sunscald and bark splitting.