Goldenrain Tree, also known as Pride of India, China tree, or Varnish tree
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Koelreuteria, Species: K. paniculata · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family) · Pinnately to bipinnately compound, deciduous
Species
Koelreuteria paniculata
Leaf Type
Pinnately to bipinnately compound, deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Shape
Ovate leaflets with coarsely toothed or lobed margins, arranged pinnately along a central rachis
Size
Leaves are large, typically 10-16 inches long, composed of numerous smaller leaflets each about 1-3 inches in length
Margin
Irregularly and coarsely serrate or lobed
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common as an urban street tree and ornamental planting, though less frequently found in wild forests
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler underneath; turns a butter-yellow color in autumn
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation on individual leaflets
Texture & Surface
Smooth to slightly pubescent along the veins on the underside, thin yet resilient texture
Description
Koelreuteria paniculata is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree prized for its brilliant yellow summer flower panicles followed by papery, lantern-like seed capsules that resemble Chinese lanterns. The canopy is rounded and open, providing dappled shade.
Key Features
Large pinnately or bipinnately compound leaves, bright yellow summer flower clusters, and distinctive inflated, papery bladder-like seed pods that turn from green to tan
Habitat
Thrives in full sun and well-drained soils; highly tolerant of urban conditions, drought, and pollution
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan), and widely cultivated as an ornamental street tree across North America and Europe
Condition Notes
The foliage appears healthy, lush green, and structurally intact, typical of a mature specimen during the active growing season
Interesting Facts
The distinctive lantern-like seed pods make it easily recognizable in late summer and autumn; it is also one of the few yellow-blooming trees that flowers in mid-summer
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental shade and street tree due to its high tolerance for urban pollution, drought, and poor soils. Seeds have been used traditionally in Asia for various remedies and making bead necklaces
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for pollinators during mid-summer when many other trees have finished blooming. In some regions outside its native range, it can escape cultivation and act as a minor invasive species
Similar Species
Can be confused with other compound-leaved trees such as Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), but distinguished easily by its showy yellow flowers and bladder-like fruit capsules rather than foul-smelling foliage or samaras
Foraging Tips
Look for distinctive clusters of papery lantern-like seed pods hanging from the branches in late summer alongside dark green compound leaves, most commonly found in suburban landscaping and parks
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, though the seeds can be mildly toxic to certain animals if ingested in large quantities