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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

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

Sophora japonica, source MSU

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).

List of All the Plants | More in the Fabaceae family

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