Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica · Cupressaceae · 삼나무

How to spot it

Sickle-shaped needles curving inward surround the twigs, and reddish-brown bark peels.

Look

Leaves: Awl-shaped needles are spirally arranged and curve inward.
Flowers: Makes cones instead of flowers; male and female cones grow on the same tree.
Fruit: Male cones cluster near the branch tips; seed-bearing female cones are round and brown, borne singly or several together on the end twigs.
Bark: Reddish-brown bark peels.

Where it grows

In Korea: Planted
Native to: From Sichuan to northwestern Zhejiang in China, and central and southern Japan
Ecology: Suited to moist, well-drained soil; U.S. sources record that it tolerates light salt spray and deer browsing.

Sources