Golden Rain Tree

Choose Golden Rain Tree for one of the few shade trees that blooms in summer — bright yellow flower panicles cover the canopy in July, followed by papery lantern-like seed pods that hang on into fall. It is hardy, adaptable, and tough in New England, handling heat, drought, and poor soil once established. The tradeoff: it self-sows and drops flowers and pods, so give it room away from patios and walks.

Buy This If

• You want a summer-blooming shade tree.
• Your site is sunny and open.
• You want a tough, adaptable tree.

Skip This If

• You have a small planting bed.
• You dislike seed pods and self-seeding.
• Your soil stays wet.

PGNE Report Card

Our Experience

At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Golden Rain Tree for New England homeowners who want summer flower color and a tough, adaptable shade tree for a sunny, open spot. It is reliably hardy here (zone 5), takes heat, drought, and poor soil, and only asks for room to spread and a little cleanup under the canopy.

Plant Facts

Customers Usually Ask

Is it hardy in New England?

Yes; it is reliably hardy to zone 5 and grows well across NH, MA, and ME in a sunny spot.

When does it bloom?

In mid-summer (usually July), when large yellow flower clusters cover the canopy — followed by decorative lantern-like seed pods.

Is it messy?

It drops flowers and papery pods and can self-seed, so plant it away from patios and walkways and expect some cleanup.