Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata ‘September’)

Golden rain tree 

Features and Characteristics

Koelreuteria paniculata, commonly called golden raintree, is a small, open-branching, irregularly-shaped, deciduous tree with a rounded crown which typically grows 30-40′ tall and as wide. Features pinnate or bipinnate, feathery, compound leaves (to 18″ long), each leaf having 7-17 irregularly lobed leaflets. Leaves emerge pinkish bronze to purplish in spring, mature to a bright green in summer and turn yellow (quality variable) in fall. Bright yellow flowers (1/2″ wide) appear in early summer in long, terminal, panicles (12-15″). Falling blossoms may or may not resemble “golden rain”, but the fallen blossoms often form an attractive golden carpet under the tree. Flowers give way to interesting, brown, papery seed capsules which somewhat resemble Chinese lanterns.

Genus name honors Joseph Gottlieb Koelreuter (1733-180- , professor of natural history at Karlsruhe, a pioneer experimental investigator of plant hybridization.

Specific epithet means in a panicle in reference to the floral inflorescence.

‘September’ flowers in August to September, species flowers in early summer.

golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata 'September')

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Tolerates drought and many city air pollutants.

‘September’ is not as winter hardy as the species, and may be best planted in a protected location in USDA Zone

Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata ‘September’) Requirements

Hardiness zone 5 - 9
Sun light Full sun
Water Dry to medium
Maintenance Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to root rot, leaf spot and canker.

Uses

Small shade tree, street tree, lawns or terraces.

 

Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata ‘September’) Details

Common name Golden rain tree 
Botanical name Koelreuteria paniculata 'September'
Plant type Tree
Family Sapindaceae
Hardiness zone 5 - 9
Water Dry to medium
Maintenance Low
Flower color Yellow
Flowering period August - September
Height 30 - 40 ft.
Width 30 - 40 ft.