Cryptomeria

Botanical Name: 
Cryptomeria japonica
Family: 
Redwood Family (Taxodiaceae)
Origin: 
Native to Japan and China
At Hearst Castle: 
One tree along the North side of the tennis courts; this tree is a relatively recent planting from the 1970's.
Comments: 
Because the leaves change from green to reddish in the winter, people often mistakenly think that it is dying. Cryptomeria has been widely planted in Japan for centuries. The famous avenue of Cryptomeria on the temple mountain at Nikko has trees over 100 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter. It is sometimes called "Japanese Redwood," but it is not a true redwood (Sequoia, native to California) at all.
Description: 
Evergreen conifer that grows to 125 feet tall with a pyramidal shape. Foliage of soft green needles up to 1 inch long arranged sprially on slightly drooping branches. Foliage turns coppery-red in winter. The bark is thin, reddish brown, and peels in strips. Seeds are produced in small 1-inch cones.