Japanese Pagoda Tree
Styphnolobium japonicum
non-native
Other Name:
Chinese Scholar Tree
The Japanese Pagoda Tree is a non-native species from China. It is called Japanese because of its use in Japan around Buddhist temples. The first record of it in the United States was in New York City during the early 1800s. Its limited range includes Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. A Japanese Pagoda Tree is off the west path of Monticello Park near the weirs at the south end. It is tall, and its branches mingle high above with other trees over the stream. The leaves of the Pagoda Tree are similar to those of the Mimosa Tree, but if you study them, you'll be able to tell the two species apart. Additionally, the trees have overall different forms, with Pagoda Trees having a more upright, traditional tree form, while Mimosas grow long thin branches that arch under their own weight. The Pagoda Tree at Monticello blooms in July, and you might find the flowers on the ground beneath the tree, which is one way the tree makes itself known to visitors to the park. The seedpods begin to form while the tree is still in bloom, and they mature in August.
Identification Tools
Missouri Botanical Garden
tree-guide.com
NC State Extension
Ranges
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