Goldenrain Tree – Bougainvilla

Q: I saw this tree in a parking lot in Lawrenceville. The bloom is similar to a goldenrain tree and produces seeds in the same way. Can you identify it for me?

A: You have sharp eyes and good instincts! The seed pods are those of a Bougainvilla goldenrain tree, Koelreuteria bipinnata .

It has distinctly pink seed pods in early fall, unlike the brown ones that follow the yellow flowers of common goldenrain tree Koelreuteria paniculata.

Collect the seeds and see if they sprout!