All flowers
Japanese Pagoda Tree Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Styphnolobium japonicum

Scholarly achievement and wisdom.

Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Styphnolobium
Native to
China, Korea
Bloom season
Late Summer
Type
deciduous tree
Height
40-75 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, tolerates poor soil
Water
low to moderate
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Despite its common name, the tree is native to China, not Japan; it was introduced to Japan centuries ago and planted around Buddhist temples and pagodas.
  • In China it was traditionally planted at the graves of scholars and officials, and three pagoda trees in the court symbolized the three highest government ministers.
  • It is one of the last trees to bloom in summer, flowering in August when few other trees are in bloom, making it valuable for late-season pollinators.
  • The flower buds contain rutin, a bioflavonoid used pharmaceutically to strengthen blood vessels and reduce capillary fragility.
  • The tree has been planted along the streets of Beijing for over 1,000 years and remains one of the most common urban trees in northern China.

Color meanings

0

authority

1

scholarship

Uses

  • urban street tree
  • pharmaceutical rutin extraction
  • traditional Chinese medicine