Weeping Chinese Scholar Tree Styphnolobium japonicum 'Pendula'

Weeping Chinese pagoda is a smaller and weeping form of Styphnolobium japonicum, a slow growing, flowering, small tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family. The S. japonicum species will typically reach a height of 75 feet at maturity, but the 'Pendula' cultivar will reach only a third of that height. In its native environment, it can be found in open country in western China but, despite its species name japonicum, not in Japan. Although not native to Japan, the species name reflects the early use of the tree in Japan around Buddhist temples. Its weeping form is graceful and the fragrant flowers make it an excellent specimen for a small space or Asian garden or in a space where it can be admired. 

Plant in the full sun to partial shade in rich, moist well-drained sandy loams in full sun to part shade. To maximize flowering, it is best to plant in full sun. This tree will tolerate city pollutants and urban conditions and, once established, heat and some drought. Styphnolobium japonicum is slow-growing, and new saplings may take as long as 10 years to flower. The 'Pendula' cultivar rarely flowers or produces fruits.

As the tree ages, the branches droop and can require pruning for clearance under the canopy. It typically grows with multiple trunks, but can be trained to become a single trunked tree. It has a resistance to damage from storms.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. Potato leafhoppers can damage young stems, causing breakage  Twig blight, verticillium wilt, canker, powdery mildew, and rust may occur.

More information on Styphnolobium japonicum.