Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) Styphnolobium japonicum

Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to China and Korea. It grows 12–22 m (39–72 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.

Plan Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) at a glance

Is Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) toxic?

• People: moderately toxic
• Cats: moderately toxic
• Dogs: moderately toxic
• Parts: seeds, pods, bark

Contains cytisine-type alkaloids; seeds and pods are poisonous.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree)

Good neighbours

• good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C

Keep apart or take care

• caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
• caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
• caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C

See Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) in a botanical garden

It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:

• China National Botanical Garden (5 plants)

Questions about Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree)

How far apart should I plant Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree)?

About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).

Does Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) need full sun?

Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.

How much water does Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) need?

Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.

How cold-hardy is Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree)?

It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.

When does Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) flower?

From about July for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).

Is Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?

For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains cytisine-type alkaloids; seeds and pods are poisonous.

What grows well with Japanese pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree)?

"Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

• Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden

Notes and assumptions

• Beijing's city tree: shades hutongs and temple yards, with creamy flower panicles in July–August when little else blooms.

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

Related plants

• Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
• Garden pea Pisum sativum
• Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
• Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
• Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
• Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
• Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
• Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis