Goldenrain tree

Goldenrain tree in bloom.

* Common name: Goldenrain tree

* Botanical name: Koelreuteria paniculata

* What it is: An under-used mid-sized flowering tree that gets loose clusters of golden-yellow flowers from mid-June into July. Gets interesting pods and yellow leaves in fall. Very heat and drought tolerant.

* Size: 30 to 40 feet tall with a 25- to 30-foot spread.

* Where to use: Interesting enough in bloom to serve as a front-yard specimen but also throws off enough dappled shade to serve as a shade tree in yards that aren’t big enough to support oaks and bigger maples. Best in full sun.

* Care: Prune out competing trunks (i.e. “double leaders”) and crossing branches to train in early years. Also keep soil damp in first few years. Once established, needs virtually no attention other than fall raking of leaves and fallen pods. Probably a little messy for some people, at least next to a patio.

* Great partner: Underplant with Russian cypress (a low, spreading, shade-tolerant, soft-needled evergreen).