Botanical Name:

Koelreuteria paniculata

Common Name:

panicled goldenraintree, golden rain tree, varnish tree

Family Name:

Sapindaceae – soapberry family

General Description:

Koelreuteria paniculata is one of the few trees that bloom in mid-summer. It is an intermediate to large tree with large panicles of yellow flowers in summer, followed by interesting dried fruit capsules that add to its winter interest. Though not commonly used in the Chicago area, Koelreuteria paniculata does have good urban tolerance and could be considered for use in street tree plantings. However, in a severe winter it can suffer damage especially on young plants. Native to China, Japan and Korea this plant is sometimes reported to set seedlings and have potential for invasiveness. In Illinois this has only been reported in a few southern counties.

Zone:

5-8

Resources Consulted:

Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign: Stipes, 2009. Print.

"The PLANTS Database." USDA, NRCS. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA, 2014. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.

Creator:

Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Professor, College of DuPage

Creation Date:

2014

Keywords/Tags:

Sapindaceae, goldenraintree, tree, deciduous tree, summer flowering tree, yellow flowering tree

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