20 Japanese Pagoda Tree seeds, Sophora japonica, Ore.
Hardy to Zones 4 to 7.
(Scholar Tree, Huai-hua-mi, Huai-hua, Huai-mi)
Deciduous tree to 60 feet tall, native to the dry plains of Western China. Often grown as an ornamental.
The dried flower buds may contain as much as 20% rutin with some quercetin. The dried fruit contain the flavonoid glycosides sophoricoside, genistin and rutin and the flavonoid aglycones genistein, quercetin and kaempferol. Traditionally used in TCM to regulate the blood, stop bleeding, and for hemorrhoids. The flowers also yield a yellow dye.
This ancient tree will tolerate diverse soils and climates, but the roots require good drainage. Scarify the seeds before planting, either by rubbing through the seed coat with sandpaper or by soaking overnight in hot water. Sow in warm soil.