Japanese pagoda tree

The Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum, syn. Sophora japonica) is a large ornamental tree valued for its elegant habit, light foliage and especially its late flowering period, which is particularly useful at a time of year when few large trees are still in bloom.

It develops a broad, rounded crown and pinnate foliage made up of numerous green leaflets, giving the tree a light and refined appearance despite its large size. At maturity, it generally reaches around 15 to 20 metres in height, sometimes more in favourable conditions.

In late summer, mature trees produce large panicles of creamy-white, lightly scented flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. This late flowering period is one of the main ornamental and ecological qualities of the species. The flowers are followed by distinctive pods, constricted between the seeds.

The Japanese Pagoda Tree performs best in a sunny position and adapts to a wide range of soils, including limestone soils, provided drainage is adequate. Once established, it has very good tolerance of heat, drought and urban pollution, making it particularly suitable for parks, large gardens and avenue planting.

Despite its common name, the species is not native to Japan. It originates from central and southern China, but has been cultivated in Japan for centuries, particularly around temples.

Botanical name: Styphnolobium japonicum
Former botanical name: Sophora japonica
Flowering period: Late summer
Flower colour: Creamy white
Pollinator value: Excellent
Position: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable, well drained
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth rate: Medium to fairly fast
Mature height: Approx. 15–20 m, sometimes up to 25 m
Hardiness: Very good
USDA zone: Approx. 4–8
Uses: Specimen tree, large garden, park, avenue planting, shade tree