Xanthoceras sorbifolium- Yellowhorn

Calling this plant stunning while it is in bloom does not do it justice. This is by far one of the most beautiful trees that I have ever seen. It is an eye-catcher and a show stopper. The plant that I am referring to is Xanthoceras sorbufolium or Yellowhorn. I have also seen it called Chinese Flowering Chestnut and Goldenhorn. It is classified as a large shrub or a small tree but I think of it as the latter. It can have many different uses in the landscape but I think its best spot would be as a specimen plant and as the focal point of an area.

Above is a picture of a Yellowhorn that I took today. I have been watching this particular one for a while now waiting for it to bloom. Lots of people in the south like Flowering Dogwoods but we don't have very much success with them here in Utah because they don't like our alkaline soils. I think that this plant is a great replacement for it.

Its typical mature size is 12 ft tall and 8 ft wide. It has leaves that are similar to that of a Honeylocust, but it is much prettier in the spring due to its magnificent blooms. It can take slightly acidic soil but does better in alkaline soil. It has average water needs but can be considered a low water plant.

http://www.types-of-flowers.org/pictures/xanthoceras.jpg