Goldenrain tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
A small to medium deciduous tree recognized by its bright yellow summer blossoms and distinctive, dangling, lantern-like papery seed capsules that turn brown in autumn, accompanied by pinnately compound leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Low to moderate water needs once established; allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as it tolerates drought well but dislikes prolonged waterlogged conditions
- Growth
- Deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading canopy, reaching mature heights of 30 to 40 feet with a similar spread, growing at a moderate to fast rate
Care instructions
Grow in full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, after which it exhibits high drought tolerance. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Low to moderate water needs once established; allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as it tolerates drought well but dislikes prolonged waterlogged conditions
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, provided they have good drainage; tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline or acidic pH ranges
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9
Growth habit
Deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading canopy, reaching mature heights of 30 to 40 feet with a similar spread, growing at a moderate to fast rate
Bloom season
Flowers in mid to late summer with large, upright panicles of bright yellow flowers, followed by prominent inflated capsule fruits
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seeds collected from the dry capsules, or via root cuttings taken during the dormant season
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, though occasionally affected by canker, leaf spots, or occasional sap-sucking insects like aphids and plant bugs, which can be managed with good cultural practices
Similar species
Look-alike species include Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese flame tree), which features bipinnate leaves and reddish-pink seed capsules rather than pale brown ones