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Styphnolobium japonicum

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Common names: Honey Tree, Pearl String Tree

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 3.0 · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a semi‑evergreen shrub to small tree in the Fabaceae family. It is often grown as a shrub and tolerates urban climates well. From August to September it produces loose, cream‑white flower spikes that appear later than most other trees, providing an important late nectar source for bees and bumblebees. After flowering, characteristic pearl‑string‑like constricted pods develop, giving the tree its second name. The feathery foliage stays fresh green into autumn and only turns yellowish late. All plant parts, especially the seeds, are mildly toxic; avoid feeding pods to children or pets.

Care instructions

Plant in full sun, warm location with well‑drained, not overly moist soil, ideally from late March (week 13). Water regularly during the first two to three years if dry, then the plant tolerates longer dry periods. Pruning is usually unnecessary; if you wish to maintain a shape, prune in winter during dormancy. The tree does not tolerate waterlogging; add a drainage layer of gravel or sand in heavy soils. Young plants benefit from winter protection in exposed sites; mature trees are winter hardy.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–88.0

Soil type

well-drained, loamy, dry, lime-loving

LightFull sun
HardinessHardy

Feeding

Light feeder

Pruning

MonthsJan–Mar
SeasonLate winter
Pruning typeFormative pruning

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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