pinterest-circle facebook-circle twitter-circle instagram-circle ss-standard-direct-right ss-standard-cart ss-standard-close ss-standard-exit ss-standard-notebook ss-standard-redirect ss-standard-rows ss-standard-search ss-standard-user delivery-truckarrow-right-line
orders cart log in search
Donate

Tree Guide

More in the Tree Guide
print Print

GoldenraintreeKoelreuteria paniculata

  • Goldenraintree - Koelreuteria paniculata
  • Goldenraintree - Koelreuteria paniculata
  • Goldenraintree - Koelreuteria paniculata
  • Goldenraintree - Koelreuteria paniculata
  • Goldenraintree - Koelreuteria paniculata
The goldenraintree lends grace and charm to the landscape throughout the entire year — rare yellow tree blossoms in the late spring and summer, graceful paper lanterns dangling from the branches in autumn and winter. But this tree is more than just looks. Goldenraintrees are hardy, thriving in the tough urban environment and an astonishingly wide range of soil conditions.

The combination of beauty and durability makes for an enchanting sight near patios, in parks, in street rights-of-way, and in planters.

Hardiness Zones

The goldenraintree can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9. View Map

Tree Type

This tree is considered both a flowering tree and an ornamental tree. It is typically planted for both its visual interest and profusion of spring flowers.

Mature Size

The goldenraintree grows to a height of 30–40' and a spread of around 35' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium to Fast Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The goldenraintree grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It has some drought tolerance.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Produces small yellow blossoms about ½" across held upright in clusters on a stalk about 12–18" long. The yellow coloring is rare among flowering trees.
  • Blooms early June through July and can begin blooming as soon as three years after planting.
  • Features dark green compound leave that are 6–15" long and made up of 7–15 coarsely toothed leaflets 1–4" in length. They turn pale yellow in autumn.
  • Yields fruit that look like little three-sided lanterns, light yellow to brown in color and containing hard, black seeds.
  • Makes an excellent street tree, good for planting near utility lines and paved surfaces.
  • Has good resistance to pests and diseases.
  • Can tolerate urban stresses such as heat and air pollution.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.
  • Has a shorter life span, approximately 50 years.

Wildlife Value

The tree attracts bees.

History/Lore

The goldenraintree is native to China, Japan and Korea. It was introduced in America in 1763.