Description
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Koelreuteria Elegans (Golden rain) tree is a medium-sized tree that reaches 50 feet in height and spread. With a round crown, open, and somewhat irregular that becomes flat-topped with age and has fairly weak droopy branches. Furthermore, the gray bark is corky. And leaves are alternate, ovate to oblong and bipinnately compound. The yellow-green leaves have an overall length of 10 to 24 inches. Also, the leaflets are elongated to egg-shaped, with irregular toothed edges; with long pointy tips, 2 to 4 inches long.
Furthermore, flowers are borne above the leaves in large, upright clusters that are approximately 12 to 18 inches long; that contain numerous showy cascading yellow fragrant blooms that measure up to 3/4 inch. Also, flowering occurs for only a short period of time. Finally fruits are inflated papery 3-sides oval capsules 1.5 to 2.5 by 1 to 1.75 inches long. Initially bright Red or Purple fading to Pink and finally Brown. Additionally, each capsule contains 6 black, rounded seeds. Seeds used for propagation.
The tree should be pruned to thin branches to improve form. Koelreuteria Elegans (Golden rain) tree can be grown in any well-drained soil and is hardy once established. With its handsome leaves, brilliant flowers, and colorful fruits, this tree is an outstanding specimen tree in a garden, park, or patio. It also has an application as a street tree, courtyard, civic center, large planter, and xerophytic garden. Raintree is a common name for several flowering trees.
Other names: Chinese rain tree