PACKAGE OF 20 SEEDS, Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese flame-tree) A yellow carpet of fallen petals, delicate leaflets which cast a mosaic of welcoming shade, and large clusters of persistent rose-colored, papery capsules all help to make Chinese flame-tree a very popular landscape tree over a wide area of the South. One of only a few yellow-flowering trees for the mid- and deep-south landscape. This broad-spreading, deciduous tree reaches a height of 40 to 60 feet and eventually takes on a flat-topped, somewhat irregular silhouette. It is often used as a patio, shade, street, or specimen tree. The small, fragrant, yellow flowers appear in very showy, dense, terminal panicles in early summer, and are followed in late summer or fall by large clusters of the two-inch-long "Chinese lanterns". These papery husks are held above the foliage and retain their pink color after drying and are very popular for use in everlasting flower arrangements. The bark on Chinese flame-tree is smooth and light brown when young, becoming ridged and furrowed as the tree matures. USDA hardiness zones: 7A through 10A Introduction A yellow carpet of fallen petals, delicate leaflets which cast a mosaic of welcoming shade, and large clusters of persistent rose-colored, papery capsules all help to make Chinese flame-tree a very popular landscape tree over a wide area of the South. One of only a few yellow-flowering trees for the mid- and deep-south landscape. This broad-spreading, deciduous tree reaches a height of 40 to 60 feet and eventually takes on a flat-topped, somewhat irregular silhouette. It is often used as a patio, shade, street, or specimen tree. The small, fragrant, yellow flowers appear in very showy, dense, terminal panicles in early summer, and are followed in late summer or fall by large clusters of the two-inch-long "Chinese lanterns". These papery husks are held above the foliage and retain their pink color after drying and are very popular for use in everlasting flower arrangements. The bark on Chinese flame-tree is smooth and light brown when young, becoming ridged and furrowed as the tree matures. It is easily distinquished from Koelreuteria paniculata since Koelreuteria bipinnata has more upright branches and has twice compound leaves, whereas Koelreuteria paniculata has single pinnate compound leaves. General Information Scientific name: Koelreuteria bipinnata Pronunciation: kole-roo-TEER-ee-uh bye-pih-NAY-tuh Common name(s): Chinese flame-tree, bougainvillea goldenrain tree Family: Sapindaceae USDA hardiness zones: 7A through 10A (Fig. 2) Origin: not native to North America Invasive potential: This one is not listed on the UF/IFAS Assessment of the Status of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas Uses: reclamation; shade; street without sidewalk; specimen; parking lot island 100 sq ft; parking lot island 100-200 sq ft; parking lot island 200 sq ft; sidewalk cutout (tree pit); tree lawn 3-4 feet wide; tree lawn 4-6 feet wide; tree lawn 6 ft wide; urban tolerant; highway median; container or planter Availability: not native to North America Description Height: 20 to 35 feet Spread: 25 to 35 feet Crown uniformity: irregular Crown shape: round Crown density: open Growth rate: fast Texture: medium Foliage Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3) Leaf type: bipinnately compound Leaf margin: incised, serrate Leaf shape: ovate, oblong Leaf venation: pinnate Leaf type and persistence: deciduous Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches Leaf color: green Fall color: yellow Fall characteristic: showy Flower Flower color: yellow Flower characteristics: very showy Fruit Fruit shape: oval, elongated Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches Fruit covering: dry or hard Fruit color: pink Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem Trunk and Branches Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typically one trunk; thorns Pruning requirement: needed for strong structure Breakage: susceptible to breakage Current year twig color: brown Current year twig thickness: very thick Wood specific gravity: unknown Culture Light requirement: full sun Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; extended flooding; well-drained Drought tolerance: high Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate Other Roots: not a problem Winter interest: no Outstanding tree: yes Ozone sensitivity: unknown Verticillium wilt susceptibility: susceptible Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases Use and Management Trees need to be trained when young to develop a strong branch structure. On weak-wooded trees such as Chinese flame-tree, spacing main branches apart along a central trunk is crucial to developing a durable tree. As soon as you see them, remove any double or multiple trunks which develop, especially if they have embedded or pinched bark in the branch crotch. Be sure to locate the first major branch high enough off the ground so that drooping leaves and branches will not get in the way of traffic below. Train major branches so they grow up and out, spreading from the trunk to create the clearance needed for street tree or parking lot planting. The tree definitely has a place in many landscapes. Planted in a full sun location, Chinese flame-tree makes a moderately dense shade tree, but there is considerable variation among individuals of the species. Properly pruned and trained trees can be planted as street or parking lot trees, but do not commit large areas to Chinese flame-tree due to the possibility of them breaking up as they reach about 30 years old. They will be the source of many compliments when they are in flower and fruit. This is a tough tree which should be grown in full sun on any well-drained soil, in sand or heavy clay, and should receive moderate watering. The tree becomes leggy and thin in partial shade. When well-established, it tolerates wind, air pollution, salt, heat, and drought. Propagation is by seed, which will germinate within 10 to 15 days. The seeds were took this season, We have a lot of extremely rare plants if you want something rare let me know and I will listing for you. Questions? feel free to email me.