# Golden Rain Tree (*Koelreuteria paniculata*)

The Golden Rain Tree is a unique tree that produces bright yellow flowers. In summer, it looks like it’s raining gold!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and parks
- **Also known as:** Goldenrain Tree, Varnish Tree

![Golden Rain Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424523/objects/4862.jpg)

## Appearance

The Golden Rain Tree has vibrant green, fern-like leaves and bursts with showers of bright yellow flowers in summer. Its most distinctive feature is the clusters of papery, lantern-like seed pods that turn from green to pinkish-brown, resembling tiny paper lanterns dangling from its branches.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Sapindales
- **Family:** Sapindaceae
- **Genus:** Koelreuteria

## Interesting facts

- Its leaves turn a dazzling golden-yellow in autumn, making it beautiful all year!
- Its seeds are so unique, they're sometimes used to make beautiful necklaces!
- The amazing papery seed pods stay on the tree through winter, like tiny lanterns!
- When it blooms, thousands of tiny yellow flowers look like a "golden rain" falling!

## Special abilities

- **Pollinator Beacon:** Golden Rain Tree has abundant yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, ensuring widespread pollination for new seeds.
- **Lantern Seeds:** Golden Rain Tree has lightweight, papery seed capsules that can float on water or be carried by wind, helping to spread its offspring far.
- **Heatwave Helper:** Golden Rain Tree can thrive in hot and dry conditions, making it a tough survivor in challenging climates.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 7-12 m
- **Spread:** 6-10 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 30-60 cm
- **Lifespan:** 20-50 years
- **Fruit Type:** Inflated capsule
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Collects nectar and pollen from bright yellow flowers.
- **Pollinates:** Common eastern bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — Buzzes among flowers, helping spread pollen.
- **Shelter:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Builds nests within its sturdy branches.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Golden Rain Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Golden Rain Tree?

7-12 m

### How wide does Golden Rain Tree spread?

6-10 m

### Is Golden Rain Tree edible?

No

### How big is Golden Rain Tree?

30-60 cm

### How long does Golden Rain Tree live?

20-50 years

### Where is Golden Rain Tree usually found?

Gardens and parks

### What kind of fruit does Golden Rain Tree produce?

Inflated capsule

## Where to spot

- [Botanischer Garten Karlsruhe](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/botanischer-garten-karlsruhe) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park
- [Dornburger Schlossgärten](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dornburg-castle-gardens) — Thüringen, DE · Park
- [Midongsan Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/midongsan-arboretum) — KR · Park

[View all places to see Golden Rain Tree](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/golden-rain-tree)

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Golden Rain Tree: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golden-rain-tree)