Golden Rain Tree

The Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree valued for its bright yellow summer flowers, light foliage and decorative lantern-like seed pods.

In summer, it produces large panicles of small yellow flowers held above the foliage. This late flowering period is attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. The flowers are followed by papery seed capsules, initially green to pinkish and later turning brown, remaining decorative for several weeks.

Its compound foliage often emerges with bronze or pinkish tones in spring, turns green during summer and develops attractive yellow autumn colour. With age, the Golden Rain Tree forms a rounded, spreading crown and generally reaches around 8 to 12 metres in height.

It performs best in full sun and warm positions. Adaptable and undemanding, it tolerates a wide range of soils, including limestone soils, provided drainage is adequate. Once established, it shows good resistance to heat, drought and urban conditions.

Its moderate size and multi-season ornamental interest make it an excellent choice for gardens, courtyards, parks and specimen planting.

Botanical name: Koelreuteria paniculata
Flowering period: June to August
Flower colour: Yellow
Pollinator value: Good
Position: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable, well drained
Foliage: Deciduous
Autumn colour: Yellow
Mature height: Approx. 8–12 m
Mature spread: Approx. 8–10 m
Hardiness: Good
USDA zone: 5–9
Uses: Specimen tree, garden, park, shade tree, avenue planting