Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D.Don

Family: Cupressaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No pet-toxicity listing for this species was found in our sources (ASPCA checked). Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Oregon State: hardy to USDA zone (5) 6
Light: Sun or partial shade (Oregon State).
Water needs: high high is a plain-language reading of Oregon State ("ample moisture") and Trees and Shrubs Online ("abundant rainfall"). Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: US: Oregon State: 50-60 ft (15-18 m) in cultivation, 180 ft (55 m) in the wild; UK: Trees and Shrubs Online: 100 to 180 ft in Japan; best British trees 85 to 90 ft, a few over 100 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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