Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica)

Medium-sized trees

• Maximum height
  40 feet
• Relative growth rate
  Good
• Freedom from insect pests
  Excellent
• Freedom from disease problems
  Good
• Resistance to storm damage
  Good
• Will grow on poorly drained soil
  Poor
• Will grow in hot, dry areas
  Good
• Easy to transplant
  Good
• Withstands city conditions
  Excellent

This tree gets its common name from the fact that it was commonly planted around Buddhist temples in Asia. It is also known as the scholar tree or simply as Sophora. Its large clusters of pealike flowers are not especially showy, but they are interesting because they appear in late summer after other trees have already flowered. The yellow seed pods usually hang on the tree until after it has lost its leaves in the fall.