Koelreuteria bipinnata - Flamegold tree
Family Sapindaceae
Description:
Two or three species of Koelreuteria (depending on the scientific authority) are native to Asia. This large tree has conspicuous yellow inflorescences in early fall followed by colorful pink seed capsules. It is one of the few plants on campus with bipinnately divided leaves. It is pretty but beware of its weedy nature.
Location:
See this tree on the south side of building 1.
Size:
A large tree to about forty-five feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: drought tolerant when established
Soil: very adaptable, no special requirements
This plant grows too well in north Florida. A close relative (K. elegans) is included on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's exotic pest plant list, appendix II. This species seems to have the same tendency to spread aggressively. Seedlings are weedy under the parent trees and in at least one site in the campus natural areas.