Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree, is native to China and Korea, but not Japan. It is a medium to large deciduous tree that typically matures to 50-75’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a broad rounded crown. It is generally cultivated for its attractive compound foliage and fragrant late summer flowers. Pinnate leaves (to 10” long), each with 7-17 oval, lustrous, dark green leaflets, remain attractive throughout the growing season. Leaves retain green color late into fall, resulting in no fall color or at best an undistinguished greenish yellow.

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An Asian species that has been promoted as a good medium-sized tree for use in urban and difficult locations. In Connecticut, this tree blooms in August, producing large, pendulous clusters of creamy white, pea-like flowers. Flowers produce interesting green pods up to a foot long with distinct constrictions between each seed, making the fruits look like dangling strings of beads. Newly planted saplings may not flower for as long as the first 10 years.

USDA Zones 4-8