Texas Invasives

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Federal Noxious Weed

TDA Noxious Weed

TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species

Invasive Plant Atlas of the US

NOTE:

means species is on that list.

Koelreuteria paniculata

Golden rain tree

Synonym(s): Koelreuteria apiculata
Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Tree

Photographer: J.S. Peterson
Source: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Description

Goldenraintree grows 30 to 40 feet tall with an equal spread, in a broad, somewhat irregular globeshape. Some trees appear vase-shaped. Although it has a reputation for being weak wooded, it is rarely attacked by pests and grows in a wide range of soils, including high pH soils. The tree grows moderately and bears large panicles of bright yellow flowers when few other trees bloom.The seed pods look like brown chinese lanterns and are held on the tree well into the fall.

Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Golden rain tree.

Ecological Threat: Escapes from cultivation and naturalize in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. It is a fast grower and has great seed viability in warmer climates, Koelreuteria has the ability to crowd out desired native species.

Biology & Spread: Reproduction occurs via seed that can germinate quickly, within a period of 6 to 8 days. Water may contribute to the spread of the seeds, although this has not yet been proven. Birds may also play a factor in the dispersal of the seed.

History: Introduced from China as an ornamental tree.

U.S. Habitat: Warm moist areas of Texas.

Distribution

U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: China

U.S. Present: AL, AR, CA, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV

Distribution in Texas: Prominent in Gulf Coast of Texas, along with other areas where it has escaped cultivation.

Mapping

Invaders of Texas Map: Koelreuteria paniculata
EDDMapS: Koelreuteria paniculata
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Koelreuteria paniculata

Invaders of Texas Observations

List All Observations of Koelreuteria paniculata reported by Citizen Scientists

OBS# 20067

OBS# 20918

OBS# 10808

Native Alternatives

Management

Preventative:Limit planting and remove existing plants within the landscape. Removal should occur before seeds are produced.

Cultural:Inform the public to refrain from purchasing, propagating, or planting Koelreuteria due to its ability to escape into natural areas.

Mechanical: Larger trees may be cut, should be coupled with chemical treatment to avoid resprouting. Small seedlings may be mowed or pulled by hand.

Biological: There are no known biological control programs

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Text References

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. 2008. Golden rain tree: Koelreuteria elegans. University of Florida,IFAS.

Gilman, E.F and D.G. Watson. 2007. Koelreuteria paniculata: Goldenraintree. University of Florida IFAS Extension.