by Ann Farnham, LLA

The Ewing Environmental Commission has chosen the Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, as the Ewing Tree of the Month.

Our featured tree is located at a private residence on Bull Run in Ewing. Now measuring approximately 35 to 40 feet tall, it was 3 feet tall when it was planted in 2005. It is a stately, beautiful tree which is useful as a specimen plant.

This pyramidal or conical evergreen, hardy from USDA Hardiness zones 5 to 6 south to zones 8 and 9, is native to China and Japan, but thrives in our area. It can reach 100 feet high by 20 to 30 feet wide, with a medium growth rate. It is easy to grow and thrives in acid, well drained soil in full sun.

As shown in the photograph, the leaves, bright green to bluish-green, are spirally arranged and the branches are wide-spreading. It bears small, round cones which are dark brown and ½ to 1” wide; they are used widely in Christmas decorations. It occasionally is infected with leaf blight and leaf spot.