Differences Between Sophora japonica and Black Locust and the Medicinal Benefits of Sophora japonica

To create a better urban environment, Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) has been planted along the roads in many places, and in some places black locust has been planted. Both are tall trees with full crowns once mature, both belong to the large tree family, and their flowers give off a fresh fragrance during the flowering season. However, many friends say they cannot tell Sophora japonica and black locust apart at a glance, so let us talk below about the differences between Sophora japonica and black locust.

First, the difference between Sophora japonica and black locust lies in whether there are thorns on the branches. The former has rather rough branches and no thorns on them, so you will not get pricked if you touch it. But black locust, just like its name, has leaf thorns at the base of its compound leaves, and the thorns on old trees are especially hard, so you can get pricked if you are not careful.

The second difference is the flowering period. Sophora japonica can bloom for about 2 months, usually in June and July, and its flowers are overall a little smaller than those of black locust, with a pale yellow color. Black locust, however, can bloom for 3 months, usually from April to June, and its flowers are relatively large, turning the whole tree white when in bloom. Then their leaf shapes are also different. Sophora japonica leaves are ovate-oblong with pointed tips, while black locust leaves are ovate-elliptic with slightly rounded or slightly notched tips. Finally, the fruits are different. The fruit of Sophora japonica resembles grapes, one after another, and when mature later the fruit is blackish brown, with the fruiting period from August to October. Black locust, however, has flat pods as its fruit, with the fruiting period from August to September

So, what cultivation value does Sophora japonica have? Once mature, the branches and leaves of Sophora japonica are very dense, so it can provide shade for roads or courtyards. At the same time, the whole tree is a treasure. Its wood, because it is rich in elasticity and resistant to water and moisture, is widely used in construction, ships, sleepers, vehicles and carving. In addition, the seed kernel contains starch and can be used for brewing wine or as paste material and feed. The outer skin of its seed pods can be used to extract molasses, and the remaining parts, including the leaves, branches and roots of Sophora japonica, all have a certain medicinal value. Among them, the leaves have effects such as clearing the liver and purging fire, cooling the blood and removing toxins; the branches have effects such as dispersing blood stasis and stopping bleeding, clearing heat and drying dampness, and dispelling wind and killing parasites. The roots have effects such as dispersing blood stasis and reducing swelling, and killing parasites.