Common Name: Golden Rain Tree

General Information

Koelreuteria paniculata is a deciduous shrub or a tree growing up to 10 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - eastern and southern China (Anhui, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan)

Habitat

Found by sea-shores in Japan[]. Grows on plains and in secondary forest on poor soils in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Koelreuteria paniculata is hardy to about -10°c when fully dormant, perhaps to as low as -20°c if the wood has been thoroughly ripened by a hot summer[]. The young growth, even of older plants, can be damaged by late frosts in spring.
Succeeds in any good loamy soil[, ] and in dry soils. Prefers a sunny sheltered position[, ]. A wind resistant plant, but it does not like salt-laden winds[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A fast growing tree, especially in regions with long, hot summers[]. A short-lived tree[].
Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially if the wood is not properly ripened due to insufficient summer heat[]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Berries - roasted[, ].

Leaves and young shoots - cooked[, , , ].

Medicinal

The flowers are ophthalmic[, ]. They are used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and epiphora[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers provide good forage for bees[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.[, , ].
A black dye is obtained from the leaves[].

The seeds are used as beads in necklaces etc[, , ]. The subglobose seeds are around 6 - 8mm in diameter[].

Wood[].

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. It is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water. If it swells up then sow it in a cold frame. If it does not swell then soak it for a further 24 hours in hot water prior to sowing. This should cause the seed to swell but, should this fail, scarification (taking care not to damage the seed embryo) followed by a further 24 hours in warm water should do the trick[]. Germination is usually good[], though the seedlings are very variable[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors[].
Root cuttings, 4cm taken in December. Plant horizontally in individual pots in a warm greenhouse[].