Family: Bignoniaceae

A large deciduous tree with a vase-shaped crown.

Native to Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, the gold tree thrives in dry tropical places like Honolulu. It is treasured for the gorgeous displays of yellow flowers, for the shade it provides and for its valuable wood. Dr. Hillabrand imported the first seeds to Hawai’i in 1871. An exceptional specimen grows in the Hilo Arboretum (it thrives in the Hilo rain!).

A fast grower, the gold tree can grow too big for the typical home. The brittle limbs can break off, causing danger below. They are commonly planted along roadsides, in parks, and near sidewalks. The root system is not aggressive. Structures and roads won’t be lifted or damaged by this tree.

The gold tree loses its leaves in the late winter/early spring, enhancing the floral display yet to come. Once leafless, the tree blooms with large clusters of bright yellow trumpet-like flowers. A tree in full bloom can be seen from miles away.

Plant Uses:

• Ornamental
• Shade
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Produces viable winged seeds
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (ornamental use)
  
• Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization beyond native range
  
• No evidence of weediness (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathy, parasitism, or toxicity
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires sunny locations)
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Minimum generative time of 4+ years (slow reproduction)