The golden trumpet tree blooms like gold, symbolizing wealth and prosperity

The golden trumpet tree (Handroanthus chrysotrichus) is a deciduous tree in the family Bignoniaceae, genus Handroanthus, growing up to 5 m tall, with deeply cracked bark; its leaflets are opposite, in whorls of five, ovate-elliptic, the whole leaf covered with fine brown down, the apex pointed, the leaf surface rough; the panicle is terminal, the flowers bisexual, the calyx tube tubular, the corolla golden yellow, funnel-shaped, the petal margins wrinkled, but the flower is bilaterally symmetrical, sweetly fragrant, the ovary two-celled, the fruit a follicle, the seeds winged; it blooms in spring from March to April, flowering before leafing out. Native to Mexico, Central America and South America, it was introduced and planted in China from Paraguay in South America before 1997.

Golden trumpet tree

This species is a tree that changes its appearance with the four seasons. In spring the branches are sparse in leaf, and around Qingming Festival it produces beautiful yellow flowers; in summer it grows leaves and seed pods; in autumn the branches and leaves are lush, a scene of verdant green; in winter the branches are bare and the leaves fallen, showing a desolate beauty. This is the distinctive charm the golden trumpet tree displays in spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Golden trumpet tree

The golden trumpet tree changes markedly through the four seasons: blossoms in spring, fruit in summer, green in autumn and withering in winter, giving colour to the seasons. In spring the bell-shaped yellow flowers bloom in dense clusters, and it is an indicator flower of the arrival of spring; in summer the newly sprouted buds cover the branches, followed by winged seeds scattering in the air; in autumn the branches and leaves are luxuriant, a lush green; in winter the branches wither and the leaves fall, full of the marks of time.

Golden trumpet tree

After 3 years of cultivation, golden trumpet tree saplings are released from the nursery and used for greening in gardens, courtyards and the like. With its beautiful flower colour and tree form, the golden trumpet tree is a premium choice among ornamental flowering nursery stock. It can be used as a shade tree or street tree on lawns and beside ponds in gardens, courtyards, along highways and in scenic areas, and is suitable for planting singly or in rows for ornamental display. The golden trumpet tree has a handsome form, brilliant flowers, fast growth and strong adaptability, making it an excellent garden greening tree species.