Cryptomeria is a monotypic genus in the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Its sole member, C. japonica, is native East Asia and is one of the most culturally and economically important trees of Japan, where it has been designated the national tree. It has often been compared to the redwoods and sequoias of California, with which it could be mistaken, although its cones are quite different. These trees were often planted at Japanese shrines where they are venerated and have attained huge sizes over the years. Trees can live for thousands of years and include some of the largest and oldest trees in that country. Interestingly, these trees have also been grown very successfully in cool, moist, subtropical areas, such as the mountains of Hawaii and the Azores islands.
In our area, Cryptomeria is often referred to as Japanese cedar or Japanese redwood, though I prefer the Japanese name of sugi, since it is easy to say and this is a magnificent tree in its own respect that should not merely be considered a flavor of cedar. Almost all trees available in the nursery trade belong to a myriad of dwarf varieties, which is a bit of a shame in my opinion, though they are certainly great for smaller gardens.
In its environmental preferences, sugi is somewhat similar to redwoods, preferring consistent moisture, though it prefers slightly warmer, almost subtropical temperatures as compared to our redwoods. Irrigated trees seem to do well here when young, but like redwoods, they begin to struggle with drought stress as they get larger. They reportedly do not like wind, so a planting location among a grove of trees would be ideal. Though this is not a tree for widespread planting, its beauty and history may provide a satisfying project for the attentive gardener.
In our area, Cryptomeria is often referred to as Japanese cedar or Japanese redwood, though I prefer the Japanese name of sugi, since it is easy to say and this is a magnificent tree in its own respect that should not merely be considered a flavor of cedar. Almost all trees available in the nursery trade belong to a myriad of dwarf varieties, which is a bit of a shame in my opinion, though they are certainly great for smaller gardens.
In its environmental preferences, sugi is somewhat similar to redwoods, preferring consistent moisture, though it prefers slightly warmer, almost subtropical temperatures as compared to our redwoods. Irrigated trees seem to do well here when young, but like redwoods, they begin to struggle with drought stress as they get larger. They reportedly do not like wind, so a planting location among a grove of trees would be ideal. Though this is not a tree for widespread planting, its beauty and history may provide a satisfying project for the attentive gardener.