Plant Library
 
tree

Golden Rain Tree

Koelreuteria elegans

Add To My Wish List

 
Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria elegans) at Green Thumb Nursery

Golden Rain Tree fruit

Golden Rain Tree fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria elegans) at Green Thumb Nursery

Golden Rain Tree fruit

Golden Rain Tree fruit

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  40 feet

Spread:  40 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  6b

Description:

An exceptional ornamental tree with airy panicles of golden yellow flowers in late summer, followed by rose-pink lantern-shaped fruit that matures to brown; foliage presents beautiful yellow fall color; very adaptable but flowers best in full sun

Ornamental Features

Golden Rain Tree features airy panicles of yellow flowers at the ends of the branches in late summer. It features abundant showy rose capsules from early to mid fall. It has emerald green deciduous foliage. The serrated pinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The rough gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Golden Rain Tree is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Messy

Golden Rain Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade

Planting & Growing

Golden Rain Tree will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Shade 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Fall Color  Bark 
Ornamental Features