Goldenrain Tree

August Tree-of-the-Month
Goldenrain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
A summer flowering tree
The goldenrain tree was given its common name for its large clusters of small, goldenyellow flowers. Most goldenrain trees bloom in July and cover the tree’s canopy. The
papery fruit capsules develop by mid August. Hard black seeds about the size of a pea
mature within the inflated capsule.
A late-flowering cultivar of the goldenrain tree called ‘Rose Lantern’ begins flowering
the last weeks of August and continues with its bright yellow floral display into
September, followed by rosy-red capsules in October and November. The name ‘Rose
Lantern’ suggests what its papery capsules look like—minature Japanese lanterns.
The native range of the goldenrain tree extends from eastern China to the Korean
peninsula and Japan.
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130-3500
617-524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Explore the goldenrain trees of the Arboretum.
During the month of August, you should find the goldenrain trees of the Arboretum
at several different stages from flowering to fruiting. Some trees might even have both
flowers and fruits. Also notice the pinnately compound leaves.
This is where to find goldenrain trees:
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This is what the leaves look like:
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Did you know?
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In China the goldenrain tree was a common planting around temples, palaces, and
gardens, and was used to mark the tombs of important officials. In Japan, the use
of goldenrain tree is also linked to religious practices. In Korea, the species has been
preserved in local forests by villagers for use in shelterbelt plantings to protect homes
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Goldenrain trees have caught the eye of Western botanists and gardeners since 1747,
when Pierre d’Incarville,
a Jesuit priest, introduced the species to Europe
from China.
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By 1763, this charming tree was being grown in the Jardin du Roi in Paris, and in
1809 it made its first known appearance in the United States when Thomas Jefferson
received a shipment of seeds from Madame
de Tessé, a French aristocrat
P ETE R S H ILL
N and fellow
botany-lover with whom he often traded plants. It has since become a popular garden
ornamental. Though its flower and fruit look delicate, the goldenrain tree is known to
be tough, and well-adapted to tough urban conditions like poor soil, road salt, heat,
and drought.
M ENDU M ST REET
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