Japanese Pagodatree
Styphnolobium japonicum
Japanese Pagodatree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Canker.
medium water40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wideDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved
- Photo 2: (c) Michael Ellis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Ellis
- Photo 3: (c) Anna Petrosyan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Anna Petrosyan
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom color
- cream, white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesPest and disease pressure is the main knock here, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Tree Wrap/Sun ScaldThin young bark cracks and scalds in our bright winter sun, so wrap the trunk from fall to spring for its first few years.
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Japanese Pagodatree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Japanese Pagodatree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Japanese Pagodatree get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Japanese Pagodatree need?
- Give Japanese Pagodatree about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Japanese Pagodatree grow into?
- Japanese Pagodatree typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Japanese Pagodatree hardy on the Front Range?
- Japanese Pagodatree is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Japanese Pagodatree need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Japanese Pagodatree grow?
- Japanese Pagodatree is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Japanese Pagodatree live?
- Japanese Pagodatree has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Japanese Pagodatree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Japanese Pagodatree deer-resistant?
- Japanese Pagodatree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
