Koelreuteria paniculata, goldenrain tree
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Koelreuteria paniculata

goldenrain tree

Sapindaceae
China, Korea, and Japan; disturbed areas, roadsides, and open woodlands

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Koelreuteria paniculata is goldenrain tree (Pride of India), a spreading deciduous tree growing 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) tall and 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) wide. Large terminal panicles 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) of small yellow 4-petaled flowers in July — one of the few trees blooming in midsummer. Pinnately compound leaves 6-15 inches (15-38 cm) with irregularly lobed leaflets. Emerging pinkish-purple in spring. Papery lantern-like seed capsules 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) — green aging to pink-brown. Turns yellow in fall. In Sapindaceae. Native to China, Korea, Japan. Self-seeds prolifically — this is the primary limitation. Classified as invasive in some southeastern US states. Weak-wooded — branches break in ice storms. Tolerates drought, alkaline soil (pH to 8.0), compacted soil, heat, and urban conditions. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate to fast.

Native Range

Native to China, Korea, and Japan. Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and open woodlands.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a street tree and shade tree in urban sites spaced 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m). Midsummer yellow bloom. Tolerates urban conditions. Self-seeds prolifically — check local invasive status. Weak wood. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.

How to Identify

Identified by large terminal panicles of small yellow flowers in midsummer followed by papery lantern-like seed capsules on a spreading deciduous tree with pinnately compound leaves. The midsummer yellow flower panicles and the papery lantern capsules are diagnostic. In Sapindaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 40'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Summer
Midsummer (July). Yellow small 4-petaled flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in large terminal panicles 12-15 inches (30-38 cm). 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Papery lantern-like capsules follow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow, small, 4-petaled, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), in large terminal panicles 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) long

Foliage Description

Medium green, pinnately compound, 6-15 inches (15-38 cm) long with 7-15 irregularly lobed and toothed leaflets each 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm); emerging pinkish-purple in spring; turns yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Any well-drained soil pH 6.0-8.0 — tolerates clay, alkaline, compacted soil, heat, and drought. Self-seeds prolifically — classified as invasive in some states. Remove seedlings. Weak-wooded — avoid planting near structures. Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-9.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a strong central leader when young. Remove dead, crossing, or weak-angled branches — the wood is brittle and prone to breakage. Remove seedlings around the parent tree.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic