Sign 21
Golden Rain
Koelreuteria
paniculata
- Bloom Time:
- June–July
- Family:
- Soapberry (Sapindaceae)
- Form:
- Tree, Deciduous
Tree
Description: The Golden Rain tree blooms in June through July. Its showy yellow flowers attract bees, birds, and butterflies, and papery, lantern-shaped seed pods follow. It’s a deciduous tree approximately 30-40’ tall x 25-35’ wide.
The Golden Rain tree has been planted around temples and gardens in China for over a thousand years, where its blossoms yielded a yellow dye. Its seeds were traditionally strung into beads and necklaces. Thomas Jefferson grew one of the first in America at Monticello, from seeds he received in 1809.
Photo: Rest-Stop-Ranch
More plant info
What to look for
In June and July the tree is covered with upright sprays of small yellow flowers. These are followed by papery seed pods shaped like Chinese lanterns, green at first, then pink to brown, which hang on into fall.
Where it comes from
Golden rain tree is native to China, Korea and Manchuria. It reached Europe in 1747 and North America in 1763. In ancient China it was one of the official memorial trees of the Zhou dynasty, planted beside the tombs of scholars.
Growing it at home
It takes heat, drought and city conditions and stays medium-sized, which makes it a good small shade tree. It can self-seed.
Sources
Guided tours of the arboretum are free, by appointment. Text Mary at 978-887-4202.