PLANT ID – Japanese Pagoda tree, Styphnolobium japonicum

(Question)

30-40′ ft. tree (approx.), full sun, mt. pleasant cemetery.

(Answer)

Mount Pleasant Cemetary contains one of the finest collection of both native and introduced trees. I believe that the tree in question is Japanese Pagoda tree, Styphnolobium japonicum, formerly Saphora japonica. This tree is native to China and Korea.  As a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) it produces white pea-like clusters of flowers in July-August followed by the bright green fruit pods which you observed. Leaves turn a vibrant yellow in the fall.

This tree is hardy to USDA zone 4 and grows best in full sun-partial shade in loamy well-drained soil. It should be noted that this tree has been identified as a potential or emerging threat to natural areas in the mid-Atlantic area of the US.

This website provides  more information on this tree