Trees

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino'

Yoshino Japanese cedar

Yoshino Japanese cedar. Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Yoshino grows into a loose pyramidal evergreen with soft-looking blue-green foliage and a straight trunk. The needles may bronze slightly during winter before recovering their green color in spring. Open spacing between branches reveals reddish-brown peeling bark, so this vigorous tree offers both fine foliage texture and attractive structure as it matures.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 30–40 ft · Width: 15–20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 6–8 (UF/IFAS rating)

Sizes & prices

#7$74.99

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

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Narrow pyramidal to columnar
Use: Screen; specimen
Growth rate: Fast

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; blue-green, slight winter bronzing
Bark: Reddish-brown and peeling
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

University of Florida IFAS

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

University of Florida IFAS

University of Missouri Extension

citeseerx.ist.psu.edu

Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Yoshino Japanese cedar. Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.

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