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Golden Rain Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Other Common Names

None for this invasive

Plant Category

Tree

Invasive Description

Native to China, Golden Rain Tree is a fast-growing tree that reaches 30 to 40 feet high with equal spread, in a broad, irregular globe shape. Its wood is brittle and is easily damaged. It bears large panicles of bright yellow flowers when few other trees bloom. Seed pods look like brown Chinese lanterns and are held on the tree well into the fall. The dried blossoms and seed pods create debris.

Ecological Threat

Golden Rain Tree produces a prolific number of seeds that germinate quickly within 6 to 8 days. Its roots produce a chemical that kills surrounding plants (allelopathy). The tree forms colonies of root sprouts and crowds out native plants.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions