Cryptomeria japonica Araucariodes Group
Common names: Japanese cedar, snake-branch Japanese cedar
Cryptomeria japonica Araucariodes Group is described as having a Jurassic feel. It has long, snake-like branchlets that resemble a cord or a rope. The needles are thicker and shorter than those of the species and are adpressed (lying close) against the branches. It has a broad, upright growth habit and is slow-growing when young but speeds up after a few years.
C. japonica Araucariodes Group is an old cultivar that originated in Japan. German botanist Phillipp Franz von Siebold imported the tree to the Netherlands in 1859.
C. japonica Araucariodes Group was planted at VanDusen in 1977, and can be found in Bed 75 near the Conifer Bed and the Ashes.
Garden Story about hay fever allergy
Text and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe