Chinese Flame Tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata): Golden Rain in Autumn

Chinese flame tree, also called bougainvillea golden rain tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree valued for its late-summer yellow flowers and showy pink seed capsules that persist into winter.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This tree grows 20–40 feet tall with a spreading, rounded canopy. Leaves are bipinnately compound, giving a fine texture. In late summer, large panicles of yellow flowers appear, followed by inflated, papery, pinkish capsules that resemble lanterns, lasting into winter.

Cultivation and Uses

Chinese flame tree tolerates heat, drought, wind, and urban conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Used as a street tree, shade tree, or specimen. It can self-seed aggressively in some areas.

Comparison

Similar to Koelreuteria paniculata (golden rain tree) but blooms later and has bipinnate leaves.