Styphnolobium japonicum, or Japanese pagoda tree, is native to China and Korea. It features fragrant summer flowers but may take up to 10 years to bloom. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types including loam, clay, and sandy soils, as well as alkaline, dry soils and road salt. Its seeds are reportedly toxic and should not be ingested. When grown in open areas, it tends to branch low to the ground. The tree has weak wood, making it prone to breaking under strong winds, severe weather, or heavy snow. Styphnolobium japonicum drops small, papery seed pods and a moderate number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. This tree has emerged as an invasive threat in the mid-Atlantic region of the US and should be monitored closely for spread.