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Cupressaceae
Japanese Cryptomeria Flower
Cryptomeria japonica
Endurance through centuries and sacred guardianship.
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Genus
- Cryptomeria
- Native to
- Japan, China
- Bloom season
- Late Winter, Early Spring
- Type
- evergreen conifer
- Height
- 30–50 m
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- moist, acidic, well-drained
- Water
- medium
- Hardiness
- 5–9
- Lifespan
- extremely long-lived; specimens over 2,000 years old exist
Did you know
- Cryptomeria is the national tree of Japan, called 'sugi', and lines the famous avenue to Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
- Its pollen is the most common cause of hay fever in Japan, affecting roughly a quarter of the population each spring.
- The Jomon Sugi on Yakushima Island is estimated to be 2,170–7,200 years old, making it one of Earth's oldest trees.
- Japanese cedar wood is prized for sake barrels; a fresh cedar ball (sugidama) hung outside a brewery signals new sake.
- Despite its common name 'Japanese cedar,' Cryptomeria is not a true cedar but belongs to the cypress family.
Color meanings
Yellow-Green
renewal of the ancient
Brown
timeless strength