Pride of India or Golden Rain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
This decorative tree grows to a maximum height of around 15m. with a generally overall rounded shape to the branches. The trunk has a coarse texture with bark light grey in colour. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and was introduced to Europe in the mid 18 century. The large green leaves are pinnate or bi-pinnate and grow spirally around the twig. Upright clusters, called panicles and hence the botanical name, of bright yellow flowers appear in late summer which in turn produce paper like lantern shaped seed pods in the autumn
Situation
Mostly found in gardens and arboreta in sheltered situations. Suitable for small gardens because of their decorative appearance and small size.
Season/Life cycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| Yellow upright panicles up to 50cm long on the tips of the branches | Large light green, pinnate or bi-pinnate | Brown paper like ‘lanterns containing several small seeds about 5mm diameter |
Uses
Purely decorative in the UK.
