Sophora japonica Pendula

Sophora japonica 'Pendula', also known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree, Weeping Pagoda Tree or Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree, is a small tree with a trailing, layered and irregular habit, full of charm and elegance. Its divided, glossy green foliage grows on long branches that eventually touch the ground. After more than twenty years of cultivation and during a hot summer, its long panicles of small white flowers appear, perfuming the surrounding space with a honey-like fragrance.

The Pagoda Tree belongs to the Fabaceae, or legume, family, and is native to central China and Korea.

The 'Pendula' cultivar can reach a height and width of 3 m (9 ft 10 in), with fairly rapid growth. The Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree (now called Styphnolobium japonicum 'Pendula') has a wide, rounded, layered and irregular weeping habit. Its deciduous, dark green, pinnate leaves are composed of seven to seventeen leaflets measuring 25 cm (9.8 in). Their undersides are pubescent. Flowering, which only appears after twenty years, occurs from late summer to autumn depending on the climate, in the form of long 30 cm (11.8 in) panicles of small white-cream flowers. The flowers are nectar-rich and fragrant. The fruits that follow are pendant pods that resemble strings of pearls. The trunk of the Pagoda Tree becomes twisted with age and has longitudinally fissured bark.

Plant Sophora japonica 'Pendula' in soil that is neutral, fertile, without too much limestone, and dry to moist but well drained, preferably in full sun. It tolerates pruning well. If necessary, intervene before the start of vegetation by removing diseased or dead wood and tangled branches. It is highly resistant to pollution and drought once established. Note that this small tree has a shallow and spreading root system; it is better to plant it in a sheltered location away from strong winds that could uproot it.

The Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree will express all its uniqueness as a shade tree. This small tree is ideal for creating a living arbour or a living hut by hollowing out the branches from the inside. It will become majestic if left unpruned and installed above a low wall, for example, or behind a fence, with its cascading draperies descending in layers and reaching the ground.

The Pagoda Tree will reach its full bloom during hot summers. It is a plant used in phytotherapy, with all parts having purgative properties. In the past, the flowers, leaf buds, and leaves were used to obtain yellow dye, and the fragrant flowers were used in cosmetics.