Revised

Golden-rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Small trees

Golden-rain tree
Golden-rain tree

  • Maximum height
    20 feet
  • Relative growth rate
    Poor
  • Freedom from insect pests
    Excellent
  • Freedom from disease problems
    Good
  • Resistance to storm damage
    Poor
  • Will grow on poorly drained soil
    Poor
  • Will grow in hot, dry areas
    Good
  • Easy to transplant
    Excellent
  • Withstands city conditions
    Good

Golden-rain tree
 

The large, conspicuous yellow flower clusters of the golden rain tree (Figure 7) are produced in late June when few other trees are in bloom. The flowers are followed by showy bladderlike fruit that hang like clusters of small chinese lanterns until late in the fall. Its wide-spreading branching is especially well suited for the small yard. It will grow in a wide variety of soils and has no serious insect or disease pests. However, it is a relatively short-lived tree.