Trees

Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'

Black Dragon Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' at Tyler Arboretum, Pennsylvania; licensed exact-cultivar photograph, not current inventory.

Black Dragon combines an irregular upright outline with some of the darkest foliage among Japanese cedars. Fresh growth begins lighter green and matures to a deep green that can appear nearly black in winter. Vigorous juvenile growth slows as the plant fills out, producing a dense, textured specimen rather than a full-sized screening tree.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 6 ft, supplier garden size, not ultimate size · Width: 4 ft, supplier garden size
Water: Maintain ample soil moisture.
Hardiness: USDA zone 6 minimum

Sizes & prices

#3$89.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Broad upright
Growth rate: 6–8 inches/year (grower estimate)
Use: Evergreen specimen or focal accent.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Species is listed as resistant to deer damage, not deer-proof.
Drought: Established species trees tolerate dry periods, but water during prolonged drought; dwarf and container plants need closer moisture monitoring.
Wet soil: Prefers moist soil with good drainage.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Keep in mind: Standard-form specimens have a raised crown; confirm stem height.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; deep green to almost black in winter
Cones: Small woody cones; species cones and fallen foliage are not usually a significant litter problem.

Growing & care

Site: Protect from cold, drying winds.
Pruning: Usually little shaping is needed. If necessary, shorten stray young shoots to a leafy side branch in early spring, retaining the cultivar's natural outline.
Soil: Rich, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil.
Issues: Allow air circulation; leaf spot and blight can occur. Monitor mites in dry weather.

Sources & photo credits

Iseli Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

University of Florida IFAS

University of Missouri Extension

Photo: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) · CC BY-SA 2.5

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.