September' was selected for its late flowering habit. Lanternlike, papery seed capsules appear in late summer or fall, usually before foliage changes. Most either really like it or dislike it.
Some growers rave about golden-rain tree's durability and attractiveness.
Others have dropped it from their catalogs because it's a pain to grow. I consider it a good landscape tree, especially in areas without excessively hot summers. From Tennessee to Illinois to Southern New England the plant should perform exceptionally. Where the tree does grow well, few plants can rival its year-round appeal. In winter, the showy, grayish bark that furrows with age is attractive.