Koelreuteria bipinnata
 
Common Names: Chinese Flame Tree, Bougainvillea Golden Rain Tree, Lantern Tree
 
Zones: 9–11
 
A deciduous to semi-evergreen tree native to southern China and Indochina, Koelreuteria bipinnata is admired for its airy foliage, papery pink seed capsules, and late-summer yellow blooms. Often confused with its cousin K. paniculata, this species blooms later and features bipinnate leaves and more flamboyant fruit. It’s a favorite in warm-climate urban landscapes for its drought tolerance and ornamental flair.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; rounded to spreading canopy; moderate growth rate
Height: Typically 20–35 ft (6–10.5 m); similar spread
Trunk: Light gray to brown; smooth when young, becoming fissured with age
Leaves: Bipinnately compound; 12–20 in. (30–50 cm) long; bright green; turn yellow in fall
Inflorescence: Upright panicles of small yellow flowers with red centers; bloom late summer to early fall
Fruit: Papery, lantern-like capsules; pink to salmon; persist into winter; ornamental
Ecology: Native to subtropical forests; supports pollinators; non-invasive in most U.S. regions
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy to loamy; well-drained; tolerates poor soils
Temperature: Tolerates 20–100°F (–6 to 38°C); thrives in 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Humidity: Moderate; adapted to subtropical and Mediterranean climates
Propagation: By seed or softwood cuttings; seeds germinate readily
Tolerance: Heat, drought, and urban pollution tolerant; not salt-tolerant
 
Landscape Use
Best suited for streetscapes, civic plantings, and subtropical gardens. Its late-season flowers and lantern-like fruit offer multi-season interest. Pairs well with Lagerstroemia indica, Cassia javanica, and Tabebuia rosea in warm-climate ornamental designs.