Species Japanese pagoda tree
gold-lime foliage with brown branches and trunk

Japanese pagoda tree

Styphnolobium japonicum

The Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a small deciduous tree that is native to parts of China and Japan. It has a tall, upright form with graceful arching branches and white flowers. The compound leaves are green in summer and turn yellow in autumn. These trees are very popular in gardens and landscaping due to their ornamental features, as well as their fast growth rate. They make an excellent shade tree, reaching up to 40 feet in height. Their decorative flowers and fruit add to their ornamental value and attract birds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Creamy white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For optimal growth and health, the Japanese pagoda tree should be watered deeply at least once a week, providing between 10-20 gallons of water for a mature tree. When watering the tree, it is important to apply the water evenly around the outer edge of the canopy and allow the water to seep down at least 8-10 inches into the soil. With dry weather periods, it is especially important to water the Japanese pagoda tree more frequently.

sunlight

Japanese pagoda trees need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally spread out in 2-hour increments throughout the day. During the summer months, the tree prefers to be in partial shade, while in the winter months, it may need more light to stay healthy.

pruning

Japanese pagoda tree should be pruned in early spring, when the buds begin to swell. Pruning should be limited to removing dead or diseased branches, or lightly removing excess branches and suckers. Heavier pruning is not recommended as it can damage or even kill the tree. Avoid pruning any stems that are more than 2 years old as they may not re-sprout.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The Japanese pagoda tree typically begins to bear fruit in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Styphnolobium japonicum typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The Japanese pagoda tree typically begins to bear fruit in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map