Styphnolobium japonicum

Common Name:
Japanese Pagoda Tree, Chinese Scholar Tree

Description:
Styphnolobium japonicum, commonly known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree, is a beautiful, medium to large deciduous tree renowned for its elegant, spreading canopy and showy late-summer flowers. It produces masses of creamy-white, pea-like flowers in hanging clusters, which attract bees and other pollinators. These are followed by unique bead-like seed pods that persist into autumn. The tree’s delicate, compound leaves provide soft dappled shade throughout summer before turning a warm golden-yellow in autumn.

Highly valued for its resilience, this tree thrives in urban conditions, tolerating pollution, drought, and poor soils once established. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for avenue plantings, large gardens, and parks. With its graceful form and ornamental appeal, the Japanese Pagoda Tree is a striking addition to any landscape.

Form:

• Tree - Medium to Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 10–20 m
• Width: 8–15 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Summer

Flower Colour:

• Creamy White

Key Attributes:

• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Tolerant of Urban Pollution
• Strong Shade Provider
• Bee Attracting
• Suitable for Avenue Planting
• Deciduous

Toxicity:

• Seeds and pods contain toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested by humans or pets.

Companion Plants:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Acer species (Maples)
• Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle)
• Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)
• Lavandula (Lavender)