Plant Encyclopedia
shrub

Yellowhorn*

Xanthoceras sorbifolium

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Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) at The Green Spot Home & Garden

Yellowhorn in bloom

Yellowhorn in bloom

(Photo courtesy of Dawes Arboretum)

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) at The Green Spot Home & Garden

Yellowhorn flowers

Yellowhorn flowers

(Photo courtesy of Dawes Arboretum)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Height:  15 feet

Spread:  12 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Description:

Possibly the most undervalued of all ornamental plants, this beautiful shrub features masses of stunning white tubular flowers in spring with a yellow blotch in the center that fades to red, compound leaves give an airy appearance; somewhat slow growing

Ornamental Features

Yellowhorn is covered in stunning racemes of white trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats and antique red centers rising above the foliage in mid spring before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The narrow pinnately compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour. It produces brown nuts from early to mid fall.

Landscape Attributes

Yellowhorn is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Yellowhorn is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Yellowhorn will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features