tree

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Sophora japonica

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Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica) at Marcum's Nursery

Japanese Pagoda Tree in bloom

Japanese Pagoda Tree in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica) at Marcum's Nursery

Japanese Pagoda Tree flowers

Japanese Pagoda Tree flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica) at Marcum's Nursery

Japanese Pagoda Tree in fall

Japanese Pagoda Tree in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  60 feet

Spread:  60 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  5

Other Names:  Scholar Tree

Description:

An elegant and refined small shade or accent tree with attractive compound leaves, showy panicles of white flowers in spring and a gracefully rounded habit, an ideal size for home landscapes; adaptable to soil types, deserving of wider use

Ornamental Features

Japanese Pagoda Tree is bathed in stunning panicles of lightly-scented creamy white bell-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from mid to late summer. It has light green deciduous foliage. The pinnately compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Pagoda Tree is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Messy

Japanese Pagoda Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Japanese Pagoda Tree will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade 
Applications
Flowers 
Ornamental Features