Cryptomeria japonica 'Sekkan'

(aka: C. j. 'Sekkan Sugi') This 1970 introduction from PA's Hillside Nursery has long been one of my favorite Japanese cedars, primarily because of its ability to add color to the often drab winter garden. This well-shaped shrub (10' tall in 10 years) which eventually becomes a tree, resembles a Christmas tree after being struck by lightning. The tips of each branch become a lovely white gold... brightest in the winter months. I could imagine some red and blue Christmas lights and you'd be a real patriotic son of a gun!