Japanese Pagodatree Scholar-tree
Styphnolobium japonicum
Fabaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
35–50 ft
Growth Rate
Medium
Light
Part Shade
Soil
Well Drained
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
July to August
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
China and Korea, but not Japan Invasive: This species has
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Japanese Pagodatree Scholar-tree typically reaches 'first bloom' at 4200 GDD₃₂, predicted around Jul 24.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,806 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,827 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,868 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,905 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,941 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 1,945 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 2,028 |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 4200 | '' est. Jul 24 (avg) |
| 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' | 4700 | '' est. Aug 7 (avg) |
Range: 3827–4233 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
Source: 'Master catalog (UMD), converted GDD50->GDD32 via Kent bloom-date mapping' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.
Cultivars (2)
'Millstone'
Common name: Millstone Japanese Pagodatree; Mature height: 45 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Pendula'
Common name: Weeping Scholar-tree Dragon-claw Tree; Mature height: 15–25 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.