20 Aug Japanese Pagoda Tree
Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum)
Our featured tree this month is the graceful styphnolobium japonicum, or Japanese pagoda tree. Despite its misleading name, this deciduous tree is actually native to China where it has deep cultural and spiritual significance. Typically growing to 15–25m in height, it has a rounded crown with gently arching branches and finely textured foliage that gives it a refined, airy appearance. In late summer, when few other trees are in flower, the pagoda tree bursts into bloom with fragrant, creamy-white, pea-like flowers.
In its native China it has been planted near Buddhist temples, Confucian academies, and scholarly institutions for centuries, symbolising wisdom, learning, and peace. Its common name – “Chinese scholar tree” – reflects this close association with education and philosophical thought.
In Chinese tradition, the pagoda tree is also believed to bring good fortune and protection. It was often planted in palace courtyards and public squares as a blessing for prosperity and harmony. In feng shui, the tree is thought to draw positive energy and maintain balance, especially when positioned near entrances or buildings of importance.
In Japan, where it was introduced and cultivated extensively, the tree gained ornamental favour for its elegant structure and seasonal interest, becoming a popular feature in traditional gardens. Its resilience makes it a popular street tree in temperate regions, where it provides cooling shade and seasonal beauty without demanding much in return.
Beyond aesthetics, the tree has traditional medicinal uses. Its flower buds – known in Chinese medicine as Huai Hua Mi – are used to treat circulatory issues, high blood pressure, and bleeding disorders. These buds contain rutin, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The wood of the pagoda tree is dense and durable, though not commonly harvested for timber. Historically, it was sometimes used for carving or small construction projects in East Asia. The tree’s flowers also yield a yellow dye, once used in silk production.
Appearance and Identification
The pagoda tree has rich green, pinnate leaves with 7-21 small oval leaflets which turn a soft yellow in summer. The flowers which bloom later than most other trees are produced in branched clusters – or panicles – and are followed by bead-like seed pods. These resemble strings of green pearls and persist into winter, adding further ornamental interest.
Japanese pagoda leaves
The bark of the tree is grey-brown and lightly furrowed, providing subtle winter texture.
Japanese pagoda bark
Propagation and Control
The pagoda tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It prefers loamy or sandy soils but is highly adaptable, coping well with urban stressors such as air pollution, compacted ground, and drought.
It is a tough, adaptable species with relatively few serious pests or diseases, and its ease of cultivation and low-maintenance nature have made it a favourite in both municipal planting schemes and private gardens, particularly where a late-season flowering tree is desired.
Source and Reference Materials
Information detailed in this post has been obtained from the author’s own knowledge and photographic library where possible. Additional source of information and photographs include:
Van den Berk, B.V. (2004). Van den Berk on Trees. Van den Berk Nurseries.