Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria, 5. Stock Photo

While the elegantly tall and sturdy Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria, is the national tree of Japan, it is neither a cedar, or truly native to Japan.They are a unique member of the conifer group, and were actually introduced to Japan about a thousand years ago. That is long ago enough to be a part of the mythology of the country, as well as common usages for every thing from temples to furniture.As seen in the San Francisco Botanical Garden of Golden Gate Park 4 March 2022.