Yellow Horn

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Sapindaceae

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Northern China

Location

Zucker Shrub Collection

Source of plant

Klehm's Song Sparrow Perennial Farm, Cornell Botanic Gardens, Forestfarm Nursery, Roslyn Nursery

Description

Small upright tree, reaching 18' to 24' in height with a stiff, coarse branching habit. Flowers composed offive rather thin, white petals with a blotch at the base that changes from yellow to red. Flowers 3/4" to1" in diameter, borne on slender stalks in 6" to 10" long racemes in May. Fruit a 3-valved, thick-walled,2" long capsule; each cell contains several globose, dark brown, pea-sized seeds. Lustrous green foliage is held late into the fall.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3