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Styphnolobium japonicum

Japanese pagoda tree

A large deciduous tree to 25m tall with a rounded, low-branched habit, and rich green pinnate leaves to 30cm in length. Fragrant creamy-white, pea-shaped flowers 12mm in length, produced in terminal panicles in mature trees

Other common names
Chinese pagoda tree
Chinese scholar tree
see morepagoda tree
Synonyms
Sophora japonica
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Styphnolobium are deciduous trees with pinnate leaves and generally white, pea-like flowers born in panicles in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun; tolerant of poor soils, drought and pollution. Needs long hot summers to flower well and does not flowers until mature at about 30 years

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe or grafting in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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