Millstone™ Japanese Pagoda Tree

Millstone™ is the smaller, uniform selection of Japanese pagoda tree identified as Styphnolobium japonicum ‘Halka’. It develops a rounded to broad oval crown, reaching about 45 feet tall and 35 feet wide, with compound green leaves that turn yellow in fall. ([The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-scholar-tree/)) ## Landscape use and siting Allow space for a large shade or specimen tree and its mature canopy. The species grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil; once established, it tolerates heat and drought. The species’ creamy white flower clusters appear in late summer, though young trees may take years to begin flowering. ([Oregon State University Landscape Plants](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/styphnolobium-japonicum); [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-scholar-tree/)) ## Seasonal interest The foliage gives a green canopy through summer, then shifts to yellow in fall. Fragrant creamy-white flowers may appear in late summer, followed by bead-like seed pods. Millstone’s more compact dimensions and uniform oval outline distinguish it from larger forms of the species. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes, then adjust irrigation to soil and weather. Keep the root zone free of competing turf and avoid frequent pruning; remove only dead, damaged or poorly placed branches while the tree is young.