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Aboretum

Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

"Golden flowers, lantern-like seed pods, and brilliant autumn color make Golden Rain Tree a celebration of every season."

Take a Moment: Visit in midsummer when large clusters of bright yellow flowers brighten the canopy. As summer fades, notice the papery seed pods that resemble delicate lanterns hanging from the branches.

Why We Love This Tree

Golden Rain Tree extends the beauty of the garden into midsummer when many flowering trees have already finished blooming. Its colorful flowers and unusual seed pods create interest long after spring has passed.

Its changing display reminds us that every season has something worth celebrating.

 

 

golden rain tree in summer

Golden Rain in Summer

 
 

 

Meet the Tree

Native to China and Korea, Golden Rain Tree is a small ornamental tree valued for its showy yellow flowers, decorative seed pods, and dependable fall color. Its rounded canopy and moderate size make it well suited for streetscapes, campuses, and home landscapes.

The papery seed capsules persist into autumn, adding texture and color after the flowers have faded.

Ecological Benefits

The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators during midsummer, while the canopy offers shade and seasonal habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

Did You Know?


Golden Rain Tree is one of the few trees that reaches peak bloom in midsummer, providing color when most flowering trees have already finished.

Quick Facts

Native: China & Korea

Type: Deciduous Tree

Size: 30 to 40 ft tall × 25 to 35 ft wide

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Moderate

Growth Rate: Medium

Flowers: Bright yellow flower clusters in summer

Fall Color: Golden yellow

Botanical Profile

Family: Sapindaceae

Common Names: Golden Rain Tree

Genus Meaning: Koelreuteria honors German botanist Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter.

Species Meaning: paniculata refers to the tree's large flower clusters, known as panicles.

How to Recognize It

Look for these distinctive characteristics:

  • Large yellow flower clusters
  • Papery lantern-like seed pods
  • Compound leaves
  • Rounded canopy
  • Golden fall color
  • Gray-brown bark

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil

Moisture: Moderate

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 9

Tolerance: Heat, drought, and urban conditions