Sophora japonica, also known as Sophora japonica, is a tall tree with pinnate compound leaves similar to Robinia pseudoacacia. And what we usually call acacia is Robinia pseudoacacia. Sophora japonica blooms in April-June, bears fruit in August-September, and begins to shed leaves in late September. While Sophora japonica blooms in July and August, bears fruit in August 8- 10/October, and leaves fall in1October. So in January, locust trees generally have no leaves.