Koelreuteria paniculata

Golden Raintree

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree)

A small to medium deciduous tree valued for its showy summer display of bright yellow flower panicles, Koelreuteria paniculata produces airy clusters of blooms followed by distinctive papery, lantern-like seed pods that turn from green to pinkish-bronze. The compound foliage emerges with a slight bronze tint, matures to green, and may develop yellow fall color. Its irregular, rounded canopy and tolerance of urban conditions make it a popular ornamental tree.

Type: Deciduous tree
Mature Size: 25–35′ W × 25–35′ H
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Rounded to irregular, spreading canopy

Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Bloom Length: Moderate; typically 2–3 weeks

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Specimen tree, street tree, patios, urban plantings, drought-tolerant landscapes, ornamental seed pods

Care:
Prune when young to establish strong structure. Tolerates heat, drought, and air pollution. May self-seed in favorable conditions—remove seedlings if needed. Best performance in well-drained soils.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

25-35'

Width

25-35'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Alkaline, Dry Area, Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Street Tree

Shape

Open Canopy, Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Corky

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes