Botanical Name: Sophora japonica
Add
Common Name: Japanese Pagoda Tree  
Plant photo of: Sophora japonica
Previous Photo      Next Photo

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Green, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown, Green

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

Japanese, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Patio

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Susan Frommer/Engstrom

  • Description

  • Notes

Japanese Pagoda tree is a deciduous tree that grows to 30 to 50 feet tall, with a rounded crown nearly as wide. The young bark is pale gray, becoming furrowed into fibrous, interlaced, scaly ridges. Leaves are bright green, pinnate, and fern-like, with a yellow fall color. In the late summer, upright panicles of lovely, pea-like white, slightly fragrant flowers are produced at the ends of branches. Flowers are followed by bean-like pods that persist well into winter. A lovely shade tree.
Grow in full sun to part shade and well drained soil. Prefers sandy-loam or clay loam soils. Once established, it is tolerant of heat and some drought. Tolerant of pollution. Also known as Chinese Scholar Tree.