Styphnolobium japonicum 'Pendula'
Common name: 
Weeping Scholar-tree
Dragon-claw Tree
Pronunciation: 
so-FO-ra ja-PON-i-ka
Family: 
Fabaceae
Genus: 
Styphnolobium
Synonyms: 
S. japonica 'Pendula'
S. japonica f. pendula
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Deciduous tree, a stiff weeping form, often grafted on a standard (seedlings of the normal type) and will grow to 15-25 ft (4.5-7.5 m) tall, rarely flowers.
  • Sun and partial shade.  Best in loamy well-drained soil.  Once established withstands heat and drought well.   Tolerant of polluted conditions.  Fast growing in some areas.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 4      In China, it is known as the Dragon-claw Scholar-tree [Longzhao Huai] where it is fairly common in temple grounds and other formal areas.   More than one form under this name, also called ‘Tortuosa’ and ‘Contorta Pendula’ (Jacobson, 1996).
Click image to enlarge
  • habit of old tree, winter

    habit of old tree, winter

  • plant habit, winter

    plant habit, winter

  • detail of pruning, winter

    detail of pruning, winter