Foliage

• Color: The leaves are bright green during the growing season, turning to a soft yellow in the fall.
• Type: Bipinnate (feather-like) compound leaves, measuring 12–24 inches in length.
• Shape: Each leaf is composed of multiple smaller leaflets, which are oval to lance-shaped with serrated margins.
• Texture: The foliage is fine-textured, giving the tree a light, airy appearance.
• Seasonality: Deciduous; the tree sheds its leaves in late fall or early winter.

Flowers

• Color: Bright yellow with a subtle orange tint near the center.
• Type: Small, star-shaped flowers clustered in large, showy panicles that can reach up to 12–15 inches in length.
• Blooming Season: Late summer to early fall (typically August to September).
• Pollination: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent tree for supporting wildlife.
• Visual Impact: The vibrant flowers create a stunning display, especially when contrasted with the tree’s green foliage.

Fruit

• Type: Papery, lantern-like seed pods that resemble inflated capsules.
• Color: Initially green, maturing to shades of pink, orange, or bronze by late fall.
• Shape and Size: The seed pods are triangular or heart-shaped and measure 1.5–2.5 inches long. Each pod contains small, round black seeds.
• Seasonality: The fruit remains on the tree through fall and sometimes into winter, adding a decorative feature to the landscape.
• Wildlife Value: Birds occasionally feed on the seeds, though they are not a primary food source.

This combination of delicate, bipinnate foliage, sunny yellow flowers, and ornamental seed pods makes Koelreuteria bipinnata a highly attractive and versatile tree for gardens and landscapes.

Watering

• Establishment Period: Water regularly for the first year, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Mature Trees: Once established, the tree is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

Soil and Mulching

• Soil Preferences: Performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0–7.5.
• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Light Requirements

• Optimal Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Regular pruning helps maintain a strong structure and encourages healthy growth.

Fertilization

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and flowering.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce flowering.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids, scale insects, or borers. Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Rarely affected by diseases. Proper air circulation and well-drained soil minimize the risk of fungal issues like leaf spot or root rot.

Growth Rate and Mature Size

• Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 12–24 inches per year.
• Mature Size: Reaches 20–40 feet in height with a similar spread.

Special Considerations

• The tree produces numerous seed pods that can be messy in some settings. Consider planting it away from patios or driveways.
• Its tolerance to urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soils, makes it an excellent choice for city landscapes.

With proper care, Koelreuteria bipinnata will become a stunning focal point in your garden, offering shade, vibrant flowers, and attractive seed pods that add year-round interest.