Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans' is a robust, fast-growing selection of Japanese cedar with columnar to pyramidal growth habit. It has dense, blue-green, feathery foliage that retains its color in winter with less bronzing than other Japanese cedars. After 10 years, 'Radicans'™ grows to heights of 30 to 40 feet (10-12 m) tall (sometimes up to 50 feet/15m) and 15 to 20 feet (5 - 6 m) wide. It is less prone to tip blight and leaf spot than other members of the species.
This cultivar originated in 1941 as a plant selected for the forestry industry in Japan. In 1941, Takenoshin Nakai (1882-1952) made a formal botanical study on the plant, hoping to be able to classify it as a specific variety of the species (Cryptomeria japonica var. radicans). Apparently peer revue determined that there was not enough distinction from the type to warrant such classification, rendering the results of the study synonymous with the typical species. "radicans" translates in "rooting" in the Latin language.
