Xanthoceras sorbifolium Seeds | Yellowhorn
LATIN NAME: Xanthoceras sorbifolium
COMMON NAME: Yellowhorn
Plant Profile
Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) grows as a tree in the soapberry family. Yellowhorn scoops open, rounded crown with pinnate, ash-like leaves and striking, star-shaped, white flowers with yellow-and-red centres that open in late spring, green, walnut-like capsules following in the summer. Flowers stand out against fresh green foliage, and capsules ripen to brown and split to release dark, edible seeds. It likes sun, and light, well-drained soil. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the soapberry family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. In soapberry family, yellowhorn has a growing place in oilseed research, and species appears in studies of seed oils and hardy dry-land trees. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Yellowhorn earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In cold, dry garden, yellowhorn yields nuts in tough places. Star-shaped, white flowers open in late spring, seeds have been eaten fresh and roasted and pressed into fine table oil, and ash-like foliage keeps tree fresh through the summer. It grows well in light, well-drained, sunny ground. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Yellowhorn is a Chinese oil tree with edible chestnut-flavored seeds and showy spring blossom, its seed oil studied as a functional and biofuel oil.
Growing from Seed
Yellowhorn grows readily from seed. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Given the right start, Yellowhorn is a long-term garden companion. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
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