Ratings Tough sites: Appearance: Maintenance:

Reviewer: Darren DeStefano Washington, DC

Review:
The Goldenrain tree is one of the best examples of a true urban speices, in Washington they can be found in Chinatown and along 7th NW, during my work with the city we consistently increased the numbers due to our satisfaction with the species. This is a small to medium tree that performs well is confined tree boxes, has a contorted architecture and an interesting compound leaf, provides good flowers and attractive persistant fruits, and is an all around excellent specimen plant. A draw back to goldenrain tree is the difficulty to find good nursery stock, the tree is inherently contorted and nurserymen seem to have difficulty getting a decent trunk on the tree. They are also brittle during the dormant season, so branch break is often a problem when the trees are tied and shipped. While this tree works well in urban situations it is also suited to less confined situations where the canopy will tend to spread maturing into a lovely shade tree.

The Virginia Urban Street Tree Selector Virginia Tech Forestry Department