| Name | Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonica) |
| Type | Hardwood. |
| Other Names | Also known as heart tree or cake tree. |
| Sources | Grows in Japan, China and Korea. |
| Appearance | Straight grained with fine, even texture and high luster. Light brown colored heartwood with darker brown growth rings. |
| Physical Props | Soft and light, with low stiffness and shock resistance, medium bending and crushing strength, moderate steam bending, low decay resistance, and very good stability in use. |
| Working Props | A joy to work with using either hand or machine tools. Nail and screw holding properties are poor but glues easily and polishes to a smooth, very nice finish. |
| Uses | Excellent wood for carving, wood sculpture, foundry patterns, mouldings, engravings, and drawing boards. Also valued for cabinetry, furniture, interior joinery, pencils, cigar boxes, Japanese shoes (geta), plywood, and decorative veneers. |
