Goldenrain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
A tough, adaptable small shade tree with large sprays of yellow summer flowers followed by showy papery pink lantern-like seed capsules. Heat-, drought-, and pollution-tolerant for difficult sites, but it self-seeds freely and is considered invasive in parts of the South and mid-Atlantic.
Field reference
Family
Sapindaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
30–40 ft tall, 30–40 ft spread
Hardiness zone
5–9
Soil preference
Adaptable — tolerates drought, heat, wind, alkaline soil, and pollution
Sun
Full sun
Pruning window
Dormant season; structure young trees for a strong framework
Wood properties
Soft, light wood of little structural value on a modest frame. Light rigging; somewhat brittle limbs and a low, spreading habit that benefits from early shaping.
Native range
Native to China and Korea; planted widely and locally invasive in the United States
Green weight
40 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
What are the pink paper lanterns on my goldenrain tree?
Those are the inflated, papery seed capsules that follow the yellow summer flowers, aging from green to pink to tan. They are ornamental and a key identification feature, though they drop abundant seed.
Is goldenrain tree invasive?
It can be — goldenrain tree self-seeds prolifically and has naturalized aggressively in parts of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. Consider its weediness before planting near natural areas.
Related species in Sapindaceae
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