Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata

The golden rain tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family native to Asia.    It is a great urban flowering tree that tolerates drought, heat, wind, and air pollution and grows 30 to 40 feet tall high and 15 to 35 feet wide.

Plant this soil adaptable tree in full sun. While it tolerates a range of soil types it prefers moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline.  It has spreading branches but a rounded outline.This tree has a medium to fast growth rate and transplants and self seeds easily.  This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer, and is realtively pest and disease free.

It flowers at an early age with an display of summer yellow flowers produce a fireworks show of bright color.  When the blooms are finished and the petals drop to the ground resembling a "Golden Rain" blanket, hence the common name. The yellow color is echoed in the feathery compound leaves come fall but it is inconsistent so not particularly showy. The fruit display is very distinctive with three parted dry tan capsules, and these showy fruits are sometimes used in dried arrangements.

Golden rain tree works well planted in a lawn or park or near a patio, though consider the flower and leaf litter if planted near any hardscape. Use it to shade children's garden where the flowers and fruits can be enjoyed. 

Quick ID Hints:

• 12"-15" long panicle of yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in mid-summer.
• Sparsely branched small tree rounded form
• Fruits are dehiscent, papery, and 3-valved
• Stems also have prominent, shield-shaped leaf scars. Prominent hairy buds and twigs have orange-brown lenticels
• Leaves are pinnately compound, 6"-18" long, with 7-15 leaflets
• Leaflets near the leaf base are deeply lobed

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.  Sometimes suffers from coral spot fungus, root rot, and cankers.  It reseeds easily and can become weedy.  It tends to have brittle wood so can be damaged in storms or during the winter.

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.