Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria elegans (Seem) Sapindaceae

Biology Native to TaiwanNative to Taiwan Medium sized, deciduous treeMedium sized, deciduous tree –25 to 50 feet in height –35 to 50 foot diameter spread

Background Economic Uses Popular ornamental treePopular ornamental tree Colorful petals and rose-colored fruit capsulesColorful petals and rose-colored fruit capsules

Distribution Found throughout much of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and TexasFound throughout much of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas Commonly found along roadways and disturbed areas and forest edgesCommonly found along roadways and disturbed areas and forest edges –Generally as a direct escape from cultivation

Golden Rain Tree Distribution in Florida

Impacts Category II invasive species (FLEPPC)Category II invasive species (FLEPPC) –Not been shown to spread into undisturbed sites Readily establishes, fast growthReadily establishes, fast growth Increased seed viability in warmer climatesIncreased seed viability in warmer climates

Identification

Mature Plant Generally 20 to 40 feet in height,Generally 20 to 40 feet in height, Bark is furrowed length-wise, with a corky appearanceBark is furrowed length-wise, with a corky appearance Seedlings resemble native sumacSeedlings resemble native sumac

Leaves Alternate arrangement on stemAlternate arrangement on stem Bipinnately compoundBipinnately compound –Multiple leaflets each containing several leaflets Ovate to oblong in shapeOvate to oblong in shape

Flowers and Fruit Pale to bright yellowPale to bright yellow –12 to 20 inches long Densely pubescentDensely pubescent Fruit is pink, oval shape, 1-3 inchesFruit is pink, oval shape, 1-3 inches Papery capsulePapery capsule Small, black seedsSmall, black seeds

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, targeting larger more mature trees first to reduce seed 3.Avoid use of possibly contaminated mulch with seeds 4.Rouge out trees in abandoned areas

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace golden rain tree 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this tree and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for golden rain tree management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, including all roots, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Cut tree down at ground level 3.Girdling is effective for large trees  Cut through bark approximately 6 inches above the ground, encircling tree base 4.Mowing is effective on small saplings and resprouts, but must be repeated

Chemical - Foliar 1.Over-the-top applications for seedlings, resprouts and small trees 2.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide Triclopyr – 2% solution Triclopyr – 2% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Use surfactant at 0.25% Use surfactant at 0.25% 3.Best results applied July to October

Chemical - Basal 1.Individual trees, near desirable species 2.Use 25% triclopyr solution with basal oil 3.Apply 12 to 15 inches above ground on tree trunk 4.Wet thoroughly for good control, spray until run-off is noticeable at ground line

Chemical – Cut Stump 1.Individual trees, near desirable species 2.Cut trunks/stems horizonally at or near ground level 3.Apply 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr 4.Cover the outer 20% of the stump 5.Marker (blue) dye is helpful

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source:

Useful Links The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems:

Useful Links Gilman, E.F. and D.G. Watson Koelreuteria elegans: Flamegold. Fact Sheet ENH-496, a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.