The mid-green foliage, which unfolds reddish purple in spring and turns glowing shades of yellow and apricot in fall, is a real feature of this beautiful tree from the woodlands of China and Japan. Fast growing, the Katsura quickly develops into a specimen tree with rounded, heart-shaped leaves similar to those of Cercis (Redbud).  Although not aromatic, the fallen autumn leaves have been varyingly described as smelling of cinnamon, burnt sugar, or ripe apples.  Tiny flowers (red on male trees and green on female trees) appear in the spring.