Click on any image to open the slideshow
Koelreuteria elegans (Seem.)A.C.Sm. subsp. (Hayata)F.G.Mey. var. formosana
Flamegold
Goldenrain Tree
Not native to Florida
Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
Planting this species should be avoided and removal of existing plants may be desirable.
This native to Asia is frequently used in landscaping and has escaped from cultivation mostly in the central peninsula and also in scattered locations in both south Florida and the panhandle. Also now found in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Leaves are bi-pinnate with leaflets having uneven (oblique) leaf bases. Small yellow flowers often with red in the center appear in dense panicles. Fruit is a papery 3-valved capsule 2.5-4cm (1-1/2 to 2 in.) long looking like Chinese lanterns and remaining on the tree for an extended period of time. Trees grow to 12m (40 ft.) tall with a spread also up to 12m.
Koelreuteria elegans is a member of the Sapindaceae - Soapberry family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Jun 16, 2023
