Our future tree of the month for September

Sophora japonica (Japanese string tree)

The Japanese string tree, also known as the string tree, honey tree or pagoda tree, is an impressive tree that is characterized by its versatility and adaptability. Originally from the regions of Japan, China and Korea, this tree has proven to be extremely robust and resistant to adverse environmental conditions. These characteristics make it an ideal tree for urban greening projects as well as large gardens and parks.

A look at the growth and structure

The Japanese string tree grows 15 to 25 meters high and 12 to 18 meters wide. It grows rather slowly when young, but over time it develops a wide, spreading crown that gives the tree a majestic appearance. This crown, which develops from a round shape to a more loose and widely branched one with age, is an attractive sight at any time of the year.

• Growth height: 15 - 25 meters
• Growth width: 12 - 18 meters
• Annual growth: 30 - 40 cm
• Growth: Upright, rounded tree, later wide and spreading

The special foliage: From summer green to golden autumn splendor

The leaves of the Japanese cord tree are imparipinnate and reach a length of 20 to 25 cm. They consist of small, egg-shaped leaflets that appear in a rich medium green. Another eye-catcher is the yellow autumn color, which gives the tree a bright and warm look in late autumn.

• Foliage color: Medium green in summer, golden yellow in autumn
• Leaf size: 20 - 25 cm, imparipinnate
• Autumn color: Bright yellow

Flowers and fruit: A feast for the senses and the animal world

The cord tree blooms in midsummer, when many other trees have already finished their flowering period. The creamy white, butterfly-shaped flowers grow in dense, upright panicles and are reminiscent of the robinia flowers. These flowers are not only a feast for the eyes, but also an important source of food for bees, bumblebees and other pollinators.

After flowering, the characteristic pod-shaped fruits develop in autumn, which hang in long chains on the branches and give the tree its name. These “strings of pearls” are a characteristic feature of the Japanese string tree and often remain until winter, giving the tree a decorative value even in the cold season.

• Flowering time:July - August
• Flower color: Creamy white to yellowish white
• Flowers: Butterfly-shaped, arranged in clusters
• Fruit: Pod-shaped, green, pearl-like, decorative
• Ripening time:September – October

Location requirements and care instructions: Robust and adaptable

The Japanese cord tree prefers sunny locations and thrives best in well-drained soil. It is particularly tolerant of urban environmental conditions such as exhaust fumes and heat, making it ideal for inner-city plantings. Even under extreme conditions such as drought or high temperatures, the tree retains its vitality.

Caring for the cord tree is uncomplicated. It only requires moderate water and should be protected from severe frosts in the first few years after planting. Cuts and saw wounds should be treated quickly with a wound closure agent to protect the plant from pathogens.

• Location: Sunny
• Soil: Permeable, drought tolerant
• Frost hardiness: Climate zone 5, hardy down to -25 °C
• Water requirements: Moderate, drought tolerant
• Care: Cut-friendly, wound closure agent for cuts and saw wounds

Use and special properties: One tree for many purposes

Sophora japonica is a versatile tree that looks good as a solitary plant in gardens and parks as well as in inner-city areas. Its showy flowers and decorative fruits make it a popular ornamental tree, while its hardiness and tolerance to difficult environmental conditions make it an ideal urban tree.

• Use: Solitaire, park, urban greenery
• Special properties: Fruit decoration, beautiful autumn colors, resistant to urban climates, tough to smoke

Ecological importance: tree for bees and pollinators

The Japanese cord tree is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also ecologically valuable. Its flowers provide an important source of food for insects, especially bees and bumblebees, in midsummer. The tree thus contributes to the preservation of biological diversity and supports the pollinator population in urban and rural areas.

A sustainable tree for city and country

Sophora japonica, the Japanese cord tree, is an excellent example of a sustainable tree suitable for both urban and rural areas. Its adaptability, coupled with its aesthetic beauty and ecological importance, make it an ideal tree for gardens, parks and inner-city greening projects. With its beautiful flowers, decorative fruits and bright autumn colors, it is an asset to any location.

Whether as a shade provider, an eye-catcher or an ecological highlight - the Japanese cord tree finds its place in every green paradise and proves to be an enrichment in the long term.