katsura tree; Japanese Judas tree
A deciduous tree native to Japan and China, known for its heart-shaped leaves and sweet fragrance in autumn. The scientific name is Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
I planted a katsura tree in the garden.
The katsura tree in the park is beautifully turning autumn colors.
In autumn, the katsura tree's leaves turn color and give off a sweet fragrance.
Used when counting trees; 元 is also possible for plants/trees, but 株 is more conventional for a tree as a whole.
Standard kanji spelling for the katsura tree.
Katakana spelling used especially in botanical or scientific contexts, or for clarity.
The Japanese name かつら is of native origin. The kanji 桂 is used as a conventional spelling for this tree, though it originally referred to a different tree in Chinese.