ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata). Native to China, Korea, and Outer Manchuria in both Russia and Mongolia. Naturalized in Japan since at least the 1200s, it was introduced to Europe in 1747 and North America in 1763, and has become a popular landscape tree worldwide. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 23 ft tall, with a broad, dome-shaped crown. Starting in June, it displays summer yellow flowers that produce a fireworks show of bright color.  When the blooms are finished, the petals drop to the ground, resembling a “Golden Rain,” hence the common name. It has been cultivated since ancient times. In the Zhou dynasty it was one of the five official memorial trees, being planted next to the tombs of scholars.