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 to 25 ft tall and 10 to 20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select®.
low to medium water15 to 25 ft tall and 10 to 20 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: "Xanthoceras sorbifolium" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: (c) Jane Charlen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: "Xanthoceras sorbifolium kz1" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 4: "Xanthoceras sorbifolium" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: "Xanthoceras sorbifolium" by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Xanthoceras-sorbifolium-2" by William Herron is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15 to 25 ft tall and 10 to 20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom color
- white, yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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 to 25 ft tall and 10 to 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 to 7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
