Japanese pagoda tree Styphnolobium japonicum
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Japanese pagoda tree is marked by its broad, rounded canopy and is often heavily branched. Its leaves are compound, meaning they are made up of multiple leaflets—sometimes around 7 to 17 on a single leaf stem—that arrange themselves in an alternating fashion. These leaflets generally boast a vibrant green hue. During the blooming season, this plant is adorned with impressive clusters of white flowers that cascade in showy, wisteria-like bunches. These flowers not only add a flourish of elegance to the tree but they invite various pollinators to visit. As the flowering season concludes, these blooms give way to pods that mature to a leathery texture and may persist on the tree through the winter months. The bark of this plant is grey and furrowed, contributing to the overall textured appearance of the tree. Its silhouette is quite graceful, which, combined with its clusters of white flowers and lush green foliage, makes the Japanese pagoda tree a visually captivating specimen in any landscape where it's found.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Pagoda Tree, Scholar Tree, Pagoda Tree, Chinese Scholar Tree.
Common names
Sophora japonica, Sophora korolkowii, Sophora sinensis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
40 50 feet (12-15 meters)
Spread
20 30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Known as the Japanese pagoda tree, it is widely used for decorative purposes in landscaping due to its attractive form, foliage, and flowers.
- Shade Provision: With its broad canopy, it provides ample shade, making it suitable for parks, avenues, and garden settings.
- Urban Tolerant: It can thrive in urban conditions, tolerating pollution and confined soil spaces, making it an excellent street tree.
- Drought Resistance: The Japanese pagoda tree is relatively resistant to drought, requiring less watering once established.
- Fall Color: It offers aesthetic fall color, with leaves turning yellow, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a leguminous plant, it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus improving soil fertility over time.
- Non-Invasive Roots: Its root system is less aggressive compared to other species, reducing the potential for damage to sidewalks and foundations.
- Wildlife Support: Flowers of the Japanese pagoda tree provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Longevity: It is a long-lived species, providing lasting benefits wherever it is planted.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity - Compounds in the plant may help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory effects - The plant has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in some studies.
- Neuroprotective effects - Some research suggests that extracts from the plant might help in protecting nerve cells against damage.
- Antitumor activity - There is evidence from research that certain compounds in the plant might have potential in fighting tumor cells.
- Hepatoprotective effect - The plant might offer some protection to the liver based on certain chemical constituents found in its extracts.
- Cardiovascular benefits - Traditional uses indicate it may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, but more research is needed.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the Sophora japonica, commonly known as the Pagoda Tree, is hard and durable, making it suitable for furniture making and wood carving.
- Dye Production: The buds of the Pagoda Tree contain a yellow pigment and have been traditionally used for dyeing textiles and fabrics.
- Ornamental Uses: Due to its attractive white flowers and pleasing architecture, the Pagoda Tree is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.
- Beekeeping: The flowers of Sophora japonica produce nectar that is appealing to bees, making it a beneficial plant for honey production.
- Landscape Engineering: Due to its strong root system, the Pagoda Tree is employed in erosion control efforts and to stabilize riverbanks and slopes.
- Ink Ingredient: Sap from the Pagoda Tree has been used historically as a component in certain types of ink.
- Craft Material: Seed pods and seeds are sometimes used in craft projects or as educational tools to demonstrate plant life cycles.
- Culinary Delight: Although not very common, the flowers are edible and have been used in some culinary traditions to add flavor to dishes or as garnish.
- Woodwind Instruments: The durable wood is sometimes used to make musical instruments, such as traditional flutes or woodwind instrument components.
- Acoustic Tile: The lightweight yet rigid wood of Sophora japonica can be utilized in the manufacture of acoustic tiles for soundproofing purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scholar Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scholar Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace and Protection: The Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is often found in temple gardens, symbolizing a place of tranquility and protection from evil spirits.
- Longevity: Known for its longevity, the Japanese pagoda tree represents a long and healthy life.
- Resilience: Its capacity to grow in harsh conditions and recover from damage is seen as a sign of resilience and the ability to withstand life's challenges.
- Friendship: In East Asian cultures, the tree is sometimes associated with friendship, possibly due to its widespread use in public spaces and gardens where people gather and socialize.
- Beauty and Elegance: With its delicate leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers, the Japanese pagoda tree is also a symbol of beauty and elegance.
WaterFor the Japanese pagoda tree, commonly known as Styphnolobium japonicum, it's important to water deeply and thoroughly rather than frequently. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, water the tree once a week with about 1.5 to 2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. In the fall, reduce watering to every two weeks, and in winter, watering may only be necessary once a month, depending on rainfall and soil moisture. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of a few inches to ensure it's dry before watering again.
LightThe Japanese pagoda tree thrives in full sun, exposed to at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to plant it in a location where it has unobstructed access to sun throughout the day to ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Partial shade is acceptable but may result in reduced flowering and a less dense canopy.
TemperatureThe Japanese pagoda tree is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -10°F and as high as 100°F, though it thrives best when the temperature is between 50°F and 80°F. Make sure to plant it in a location that is sheltered from extreme cold winds or unexpected late frosts, which could damage new growth.
PruningPruning the Japanese pagoda tree should be performed to remove dead or diseased wood, to shape the tree, and to promote healthy growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune sparingly, no more than once a year, to maintain the natural, graceful habit of the tree and to avoid unnecessary stress.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Scholar tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be made with equal parts of loam, sand, and peat to maintain proper moisture and provide aeration. It's important to ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
RepottingScholar trees should be repotted every two to three years during their youth to encourage growth. Mature trees will need repotting less frequently, perhaps once every 4-5 years, as their growth rate slows down.
Humidity & MistingScholar trees are quite adaptable and do not require high humidity levels. They can thrive in average outdoor humidity conditions. It is important to avoid overly humid environments to prevent potential fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Scholar tree in bright, indirect light and monitor soil moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, water regularly, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Styphnolobium japonicum is the Japanese pagoda tree. It begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in suitable soil conditions, typically requiring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile tree with compound leaves that continue to grow until it reaches maturity. The mature tree produces fragrant white flowers in late summer, usually around August, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into pod-like fruits containing seeds, which disperse to begin the next generation. The Japanese pagoda tree is a long-lived species, often reaching ages of over 50 years, during which time it will flower and fruit annually if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Japanese pagoda tree is via seed. The best time for sowing seeds is typically in the fall, right after collection, as they require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy - a natural chilling period that simulates winter conditions. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination. They are then sown in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which can take several weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be planted out in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.
