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Golden Rain-tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, frequently cultivated as an ornamental tree, rarely escaped. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

-30
Harmful

Not native to West Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
30–40 feet
Spread
30–40 feet
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Dry to moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in West Virginia.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Shingle Oak
    Quercus imbricaria

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Blackjack Oak
    Quercus marilandica

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow or green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Post Oak
    Quercus stellata

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: Brown/copper, yellow or green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

Refine these alternatives in the finder

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
May to August
Fruiting season
September to October

County records are not available.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

4CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including WV

Genus host records with ranges including WV · Koelreuteria

  • Anavitrinella pampinariaCommon Gray, Cranberry Spanworm
  • Eacles imperialisImperial Moth, Imperial Spiny Caterpillar
  • Eupithecia miserulataCommon Eupithacia, Common Pug
  • Iridopsis defectariaBrown-Shaded Gray, Willow Looper
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Sapindaceae
Hardiness
Zones 5a–8b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Yellow
Growth rate
Slow
Growth habit
Single stem
Foliage color
Green
Fruit begins
September
Fruit ends
October

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Golden Rain Tree

Conservation status

West Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
WV statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources