golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Golden rain tree is widely planted in the United States and has yellow summer flowers followed by papery, lantern-shaped pods. It self-seeds readily and is considered invasive or potentially invasive in parts of the eastern United States.

Appearance

Growth form: This deciduous tree usually grows 30–40 ft (9–12 m) tall with a rounded, spreading crown.
Leaves: The alternate are 6–18 in (15–46 cm) long and usually carry 7–15 irregularly toothed or lobed leaflets.
Flowers: Large branched clusters of small, bright yellow flowers open in summer, often with reddish centers.
Fruit: Each papery is about 1.5–2 in (4–5 cm) long, has three sections, and holds hard black seeds.

Look-alikes

tree-of-heavenAilanthus altissima

Tree-of-heaven has flat, winged seeds in hanging clusters. Golden rain tree has inflated, papery pods divided into three parts.

Why they get mixed upYoung trees can look alike when only their compound leaves are visible.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: street plantings
parks and yards
disturbed edges
Range: It is native to temperate East Asia and was introduced to North America as an ornamental tree. Escaped plants occur in managed natural areas, roadsides, and other disturbed places in parts of the United States.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, but it tolerates drought, heat, pollution, and a wide range of soil types.
Flowering: Flowers Jul
Flowers Jul

Life cycle

Seed dispersal: The tree produces many seeds and can seed itself into nearby beds, roadsides, and natural areas.

Growing it

Care: Before planting it, check local guidance on invasive plants.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The name golden rain tree refers to the shower of yellow petals that can carpet the ground below a flowering tree.

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