Goldenrain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

keel-roo-TER-ee-uh pan-ick-yoo-LAH-tuh
20 to 30 ft.
20 to 30 ft.

low

yellow

mid-July through mid-August

20 to 30 ft.

20 to 30 ft.

No

China, Korea

sun

USDA zones 5-9

hardy to 7,000 ft.

Goldenrain tree is a small to medium-size tree grown for its showy clusters of yellow flowers in mid-summer. It has a stiff branching structure that produces a broad crown. 

The compound leaves are composed of 7 to 15 leaflets. In spring, its young leaves emerge with a bronze cast and turn bright to deep green as they mature throughout the growing season. The leaves turn yellow to orange in the fall.

After flowering in July, the fruit that follows the flowers is a black seed, held in a capsule that resembles a pinkish paper lantern. These turn tan in late fall. In addition to its ornamental value, goldenrain tree is tolerant of heat, wind, and drought after establishment. 

low

yellow

mid-July through mid-August

20 to 30 ft.

20 to 30 ft.

No

China, Korea

sun

USDA zones 5-9

hardy to 7,000 ft.

At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, this tree is growing very successfully. The yellow flowers and papery lantern-like fruit are very attractive. Goldenrain tree spreads by seed, so we regularly get seedlings germinating throughout the garden.

Golden raintree grows well throughout the Colorado Springs area. It's a good choice for a small tree. 

Prune when young to achieve a structurally strong tree when mature. Seedlings may need to be weeded out of other areas of the landscape.