Goldenrain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Description:
This round tree makes an excellent street tree, especially under power lines. The compound leaves emerge a salmon color that becomes green in the summer and yellow in the fall. The tree's bright yellow flowers are showy and bloom in mid-summer. They give way to a lantern-like capsule that goes from yellow to pink and then brown in the winter.

Power Line Approved: Yes

Min. street tree planting width: 5 feet

Mature Height: 30 feet

Mature Spread: 30 feet

Tree Shape: Rounded

Where to Plant:
Works well in smaller planting strips and under wires. A specimen tree for your yard.

Leaves:
Compound leaves with irregularly serrated edges emerge a salmon-pink color and then turn green. Has yellow fall color.

Flowers:
Showy clusters of bright yellow flowers.

Fruit:
Lantern-like capsules that change from yellow through pink to brown. If you flick the capsule with your finger in the fall, you can hear the seed rattle around inside.

Preferred Site Conditions:
Full sun. Prefers a moist, but well drained soil.

Potential Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.

Minimum Planting Distances:

  • 15 feet from house or building
  • 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
  • 5 feet from underground utility lines
  • 10 feet from power poles
  • 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
  • 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
  • 30 feet from street intersections

Additional Resources