Snake-branched Japanese Cedar A very unusual tree from Japan, Cryptomeria japonica Araucarioides Group is a slow starter, but picks up speed after 3-4 years. It has a roughly conical habit. The bizarre, twisted, drooping branches are almost without side branches, and have a rather Jurassic feel; the tree branches sparsely when young, but thickens up later. The short, mid-green needles lie close to the branches. Snake-branched Japanese cedar is an old Japanese cultivar. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any reasonably fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 10-15’ (3-4.5m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m) in 10 years Image is from Creative Commons, KENPEI Photo taken: Botanical Gardens Faculty of Science Osaka City University, Japan