HEIGHT up to 80 ft (25 m)
TYPE Deciduous
OCCURRENCE China, Korea
As the name suggests, the pagoda tree was frequently planted in temple gardens. It is of historical significance as an agroforestry tree recorded as far back as the 6th century. It was introduced into western horticulture in 1753 and is now planted on streets and in parks. BARK Graybrown, prominently ridged and fissured. LEAF Alternate, pinnate, with a terminal leaflet, dark green above, blue-green beneath, softly hairy. FLOWER White, pealike, fragrant, in loose, hanging panicles at ends of shoots. FRUIT Pod, highly constricted between the seeds and resembling a string of beads.
