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Japanese Pagoda Tree, Scholar-tree
Scientific Name: Sophora japonica L.
Synonym: Calia arizonica ssp.formosa, Calia formosa, Sophora arizonica ssp.formosa
Family: Fabaceae

Show Larger Picture Sophora japonica, Picture U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: All zones USDA: 5-11 Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: China and Korea Growth Habits: Deciduous medium to large tree, 40 to 60 feet tall and wide (12-24 m); young branches have olive-green bark; bright to dark green, pinnately compound leaves, 6 to 10 inches long (15-25 cm), 7 to 17 leaflets Watering Needs: Little to moderate water, needs good drainage Propagation: Seeds, occasionally softwood cuttings under mist, most named varieties are grafted

Blooming Habits:
Pale yellow to white, slightly fragrant, pea-like flowers, in 6 to 12 inches long clusters in summer. They are followed by a pod, 3 to 8 inches long (8-20 cm).