Goldenraintree, Flamegold

Koelreuteria elegans (Seemann) A. C. Sm.

coal-reh-TARE-ee-ah EL-eh-gans

Sapindaceae

Explanation of name: Genus named for Joseph G. Koelreuter, 1733-1806, Professor of Natural History at Karlsruhe (BAC). Elegans is self-explanatory.

Misapplied name: K. paniculata Laxm. (see WU1)

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: Trees with pinnate or bipinnate leaves having serrate-margined leaflets. Flowers yellow, numerous in large showy panicles. Pods hollow, 3-parted, and temporarily reddish

Landscape uses: A fast-growing and brittle specimen tree valued for bright yellow flowers in large complex panicles late summer or fall, followed by (or mixed with) showy pods which pass through a coppery-colored phase. Escapes cultivation and listed as a Category II invasive exotic by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Can be propagated by seeds or root cuttings (BAC). Not recommended.