Yellowhorn
Xanthoceras sorbifolium
Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select®.
low to medium water15–25 ft tall and 10–20 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Xanthoceras sorbifolium
- Variety / cultivar
- Yellowhorn- CLEAR CREEK™
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white, yellow
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Yellowhorn good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Yellowhorn is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Yellowhorn get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Yellowhorn need?
- Give Yellowhorn about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Yellowhorn grow into?
- Yellowhorn typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Yellowhorn hardy on the Front Range?
- Yellowhorn is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Yellowhorn need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Yellowhorn grow?
- Yellowhorn is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Yellowhorn live?
- Yellowhorn has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Yellowhorn native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
