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Golden Rain Tree


Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is also known as the China tree or Varnish tree. It is native to Eastern Asia, China, and Korea. Golden Rain Tree is a smaller tree with a rounded canopy usually reaching 20’ – 25’ tall and wide in our climate.

 
Golden Rain Tree is normally grown as an ornamental valued for both its flowers and persistent seed pods. The flowers of Golden Rain Tree form in late spring into summer. Yellow flowers form on panicles (spikes),

 
that project up above and out of the canopy, hence the name “Golden Rain”.


Fruits are a three lobed pod-like structure that resemble tiny Japanese lanterns. Fruits are first green,


then mature to brown


and persist into winter providing structural interest. Mature fruits contain black seeds in each of its lobes.


 
Leaves are compound with leaflets.
 
 
Golden Rain Tree is best grown in full sun with low to regular water. Golden Rain Tree grows well in both sandy and clay soils and is hardy to USDA zone 5.


Contact Trees That Please Nursery for availability and pricing.

Photos & Narrative By:
Stephen Sain
Staff Plant Physiologist

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