Millstone Japanese Pagodatree

Millstone Japanese Pagodatree (Sophora japonica 'Halka')

Millstone Japanese Pagodatree (Sophora japonica 'Halka') is a graceful deciduous shade tree known for its upright branching, soft green compound leaves, and late-summer blooms. Also called Halka Pagodatree, this cultivar offers a more uniform form and faster growth than the species, making it a refined and dependable focal point for streetscapes, large lawns, and urban landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Millstone matures at 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide with a broad, rounded crown and straight central leader. Its pinnately compound foliage emerges light green in spring and stays clean and fresh-looking through summer, turning yellow in fall. In late summer, it produces loose, creamy white flower clusters that attract pollinators and add seasonal interest when few other trees are blooming. The tree is tolerant of heat, pollution, and urban soils.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; adaptable to poor soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point shade tree in large lawns or parks
• Street tree for boulevards or commercial landscapes
• Seasonal interest tree for late-summer flowering
• Urban planting tolerant of heat and pollution
• Anchor tree in civic or institutional settings

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune when young to develop a strong central structure
• Remove any crossing or weak interior branches as needed
• Water deeply during prolonged dry spells
• Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture
• Monitor for surface roots in compacted soils

Why Choose Millstone Japanese Pagodatree

• More uniform growth and shape than standard pagodatrees
• Late-summer blooms provide color when others fade
• Urban-tolerant and resilient in heat and poor soils
• Elegant foliage and clean summer appearance
• A dependable focal point for streetscapes and large properties

Millstone Japanese Pagodatree combines structure, seasonal interest, and urban resilience in one handsome package, making it a standout focal point for parks, public spaces, and broad landscape designs in need of reliable shade and late-season beauty.