Golden Rain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
Also listed as Koelreuteria apiculata, Sapindus paniculata
Also known as Panicled Goldenrain Tree, Pride-of-india, Pride-of-china
Climate Match for your location
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A medium-sized deciduous tree prized for its showy yellow flower clusters in mid-summer and papery seed pods that turn golden-orange in fall. Drought-tolerant once established and highly ornamental for four seasons.
Why grow it
Golden Rain Tree offers reliable ornamental interest across multiple seasons with minimal maintenance once established, making it useful for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant deciduous shade trees. Among similar medium-sized ornamentals, it distinguishes itself through extended visual appeal: bright yellow flower panicles in summer followed by distinctive papery seed capsules that persist into fall. It performs well in a range of soil conditions and requires little fertilizer or pest management, qualities that align with low-input landscape design.
Watch out for
This tree tends to self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so monitor seedling establishment in nearby plantings if volunteer growth becomes unwanted. Young trees benefit from consistent water during their first growing season and may develop a somewhat irregular branch structure that benefits from light formative pruning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
China, Korea, Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A medium-sized deciduous tree prized for its showy yellow flower clusters in mid-summer and papery seed pods that turn golden-orange in fall. Drought-tolerant once established and highly ornamental for four seasons.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Golden Rain Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Golden Rain Tree offers reliable ornamental interest across multiple seasons with minimal maintenance once established, making it useful for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant deciduous shade trees. Among similar medium-sized ornamentals, it distinguishes itself through extended visual appeal: bright yellow flower panicles in summer followed by distinctive papery seed capsules that persist into fall. It performs well in a range of soil conditions and requires little fertilizer or pest management, qualities that align with low-input landscape design.
Watch out for
This tree tends to self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so monitor seedling establishment in nearby plantings if volunteer growth becomes unwanted. Young trees benefit from consistent water during their first growing season and may develop a somewhat irregular branch structure that benefits from light formative pruning.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native Range
China, Korea, Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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