Virginia Tech Dendrology

goldenraintree Sapindaceae Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. Listen to the Latin symbol: KOPA
Leaf: Alternate, pinnately (or partially bi-pinnately) compound, irregular serrations or lobes on leaflets, 8 to 14 inches long, 9 to 15 leaflets, deep green above, lighter below.
Flower: Bright yellow with a splash of orange; occur on 10-15 inch long, many branched, terminal panicles; individual flowers about 1/2" wide, appearing in early summer, very attractive.
Fruit: Papery, triangular capsule, 1 to 2 inches long, in clusters, containing three hard, black, globular seeds, initially yellow-green, later turning brown, ornamental.
Twig: Stout, reddish brown, numerous lighter lenticels, somewhat zig-zag, buds round, leaf scar shield-shaped.
Bark: Silvery gray, flat ridge tops with reddish brown shallow furrows.
Form: Small tree reaching 30 feet in height, spread equal to height, round crown.
 Looks like: Chinaberry
leaf flower fruit twig bark form1 map
Additional Range Information: Koelreuteria paniculata is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and may seed into the landscape. Download the full-size PDF map.
More Information: Fall Color
External Links: USDA Plants Database - Horticulture Information
All material © 2019 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information