Trees

Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans'

Radicans Japanese cedar

Radicans Japanese cedar, mature upper crown. Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder

Radicans is a fast-growing Japanese cedar with a relatively columnar habit and dark green needles. Its foliage tends to bronze less in winter than Yoshino, retaining a greener screening effect. This is a large landscape tree, not a dwarf cedar; give its crown room to develop instead of relying on frequent size-reduction pruning.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 40–45 ft · Width: 15–20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 6–9 (Colesville rating)

Sizes & prices

#1Call for price
#5Hardy Soft Japanese conifer that can grow 5' a year. 40' tall and 20' wide$124.99
#10$189.99

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

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

Landscape use & tree form

Form: Compact columnar
Growth rate: Fast
Use: Evergreen screen or specimen.

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.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; dark green with limited winter bronzing
Cones: Small woody cones; species cones and fallen foliage are not usually a significant litter problem.

Growing & care

Site: Prefers rich, acidic soil; generally needs little maintenance.
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

Clemson Cooperative Extension

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Colesville Nursery

www.udel.edu

University of Florida IFAS

University of Missouri Extension

Photo: Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder · MBG PlantFinder public online-use grant; exact caption/direct link required

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