Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' (Japanese Cedar)

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' is an upright, fast-growing evergreen tree also called Japanese cedar. While Japanese cedar can be large and somewhat sprawling, the 'Yoshino' cultivar has a compact, pyramidal growth habit that makes this tree an excellent choice for screening or bordering in large areas in the landscape or for use as a specimen tree. While other varieties can get much larger, the 'Yoshino' cultivar grows to a manageable size of only 30-40' tall and 20-30' wide with consistent, fragrant, dark-green foliage that is additionally deer resistant.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' prefers full sun, though it tolerates some light shade, and grows best in well-drained, acidic, organically rich soils with plenty of room to grow. In addition to a more manageable growth habit, 'Yoshino' also grows faster than the parent species, and tends to stay more evergreen through the cold, dark winter months. Though especially dry or cold winters will still result in some color change, any orange or yellow tones these pick up over the winter will fade and return to luscious green with new growth in the spring. The 'Yoshino' variety's consistent growth habit, good color, and moderate wind tolerance makes these trees an excellent hardy substitute for Leyland cypresses.