Deciduous trees that flaunt gold foliage in the spring and summer months are a rare sight in U.S. landscapes. Listed below are four tree species/cultivars that possess bright gold foliage, particularly when sited in full sun. Under partial shade, leaf color may eventually turn lime green to chartreuse.  All four species are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is represented here by two gold-leaf cultivars: The Rising Sun™ and ‘Hearts of Gold’. Both varieties grow to 20-25 feet in height. Clusters of tiny, reddish-purple, pea-like flowers bloom for 2-3 weeks in early spring.  After flowering, young leaves emerge with deep apricot leaves; by late summer leaves have aged to lime green. Hearts of Gold redbud was the first gold-leaf cultivar introduced. The Rising Sun is an improved form in that its leaf color better holds up to summer heat and dry weather and rarely burns compared to Hearts of Gold.

Golden Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Golden Beacon’) emerges in mid-spring with light green foliage that quickly changes to a golden hue that does not fade over the summer months. Autumn foliage varies from red and orange. Be patient as this sweetgum variety tends to start off slow but may reach 40 feet high by 30 feet wide in 20 years. Grow in full sun for best leaf color retention.

Golden Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) is a reliable form of black locust that flaunts bright lemon-yellow leaves in full sun in the spring and summer months. Each compound pinnate leaf is up to 12 inches long and composed of up to 23 oval leaflets. In June (or early summer), it produces hanging clusters of fragrant pea-like white flowers. The tree grows in average soil with adequate drainage. Established trees, 2 years and older, copes with prolonged dry spells.

Claim Jumper™ Katsura (Cercidophyllum japonicum) is a fine 25-30 feet tall by 20 feet wide tree. Young trees exhibit a strong upright branching habit. New spring leaves emerge with a pink blush and unfurl to a soft, golden-yellow. It retains its gold foliage color through most of the summer although some shade leaves may turn pale green. Katsura’s sweet cotton candy fragrance and buttery golden leaf color is revealed in the fall.