Plant of the Week: Golden Rain Tree

Koelreuteria Paniculata

Golden Rain Tree

Hardiness Zones

The golden rain tree can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9.

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 golden rain tree grows to a height of 30–40' and a spread of around 35' at maturity.

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 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The golden rain tree 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.

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Wildlife Value

The tree attracts bees.

History/Lore

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