Japanese Pagoda Tree
FAMILY: FABACEAE
About Japanese Pagoda Tree at OSU's Landscape Plants site
Native to China, Korea, and Vietnam (but not Japan).
Height can approach 100’.
Leaves are compound with 7-17 leaflets each with pointed tips.
Flowers are pea-like, large creamy-white clusters (8-12” long); occur in late August, usually every other year; pod is bright green, 3-4” long.
Uncommon in Portland. #149 was planted ca. 1910. #207 was planted in 1973 as a seedling from President Nixon's favorite tree on the White House grounds.
| Tree # | Location | Dimensions | Photo and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 3075 NW Cornell Rd Private, Side Yard | 52' Height 74' Spread 8.6' Circ. | This tree was planted ca. 1910 and is visible from NW 30th Ave.  |
| 207 | 6436 SE Morrison St Private, Side Yard | 45' Height 47' Spread 7.7' Circ. | On April 12, 1973, a four-inch Sophora japonica seedling was given to Elaine Cogan (then the Chair of the Portland Development Commission) by Pat Nixon at the White House in recognition of the outstanding design of Pettygrove Park. According to Mrs Nixon, these seedlings were from President Nixon's favorite tree on the White House grounds.  |
| 392 | Argay Park | 75' Height 70' Spread 9.3' Circ | This is thought to be the tallest and largest Japanese Pagoda Tree in Portland. |