Stunning and spectacular are not words of exageration for the Chinese Golden Rain Tree in bloom. Also called Chinese Lantern Tree for the attractive seed pods that form after the bloom. These pods range from a lime green to a rosy red depending on the tree. As fall approaches these pods turn an attractive golden brown.
The bloom period of the Chinese Golden Rain Tree is variable from tree to tree. Some begin to bloom in early June and others as late as July. Honeybees love the masses of golden flowers which are an excelent nectar and pollen source.
The Chinese Golden Rain Tree is a perfect size for a small yard or urban street tree. The tree matures at 25 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide which is scaled well for many limited sites.
Chinese Golden Rain Tree is drought resistant and tolerant of urban air pollution. The trees are hardy in zones 5 to 9 and take from 3 to 5 years to bloom. The growth rate is quite rapid when young. Flowering slows the growth rate to a moderate rate.
In the deep south these trees can be invasive. In more moderate climates it is considered less so. In Tennessee it only occaisionally escapes cultivatin to grow wild.