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Jesse Saylor
Fabaceae
Sophora japonica
Chinese Scholartree, Japanese Pagoda
Japanese pagoda (also known as Styphnolobium japonicum) is a large deciduous tree native to China but cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years. It is an upright, broad-spreading tree that grows as wide as it does tall, forming a lacy canopy of dark green, pinnate leaves. Fluffy pyramidal panicles, or clusters, of creamy white-green, fragrant flowers appear in summer, followed by green "pea pods". Leaves turn yellow in fall, but are not considered consistently ornamental. Its younger branches remain olive-green through winter, adding seasonal interest.
Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, Japanese pagoda also tolerates pollution, making its several cultivars a good choice for urban landscapes. They include 'Regent', a broad crowned form, 'Pendula', weeping in habit, and 'Princeton Upright', a wide and upward reaching form. Japanese pagoda tree makes a beautiful shade tree in large lawns or along city streets.
In some areas this tree has become very invasive, casting seeds into the landscape. Consult with regional authorities to learn if this tree is prohibited for garden use, or at a minimum, to be kept away from native ecological areas. Be aware that it is an aggressive plant in most landscapes.
9 - 5
5 - 9
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Tree
Full Sun
40'-75' / 12.2m - 22.9m (60)
Summer
Eastern Asia, China, Korea
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Insignificant
White, Light Green
Green
Dark Green
Yellow, Dark Green
Gray
Yes
No
Single
Medium
Matte
Platy
Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Sometimes
Hummingbirds
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