Goldenrain tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Reseeds aggressively.
low water25–35 ft tall and 25–40 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: "Koelreuteria-paniculata" by Benutzer:Michael w is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "(MHNT) Koelreuteria paniculata - inflorescences and fruits - Palais Niel" by Didier Descouens is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 4: "Koelreuteria paniculata 005" by H. Zell is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: no rights reserved
- Photo 6: (c) M. Whitson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 25–35 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: Short LivedFast but not forever; this one runs short lived here, so enjoy it and plan a successor rather than treating it as a legacy tree.
- Watch: Re-seedsIt sets seed freely and plants itself around the yard, so pull the volunteer seedlings unless you want more of them.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Goldenrain tree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Goldenrain tree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Goldenrain tree get?
- It matures to about 25–35 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Goldenrain tree need?
- Give Goldenrain tree about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Goldenrain tree grow into?
- Goldenrain tree typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Goldenrain tree hardy on the Front Range?
- Goldenrain tree is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Goldenrain tree need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Goldenrain tree grow?
- Goldenrain tree is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Goldenrain tree live?
- Goldenrain tree has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Goldenrain tree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
