A small tree or a large shrub with 6-10 inch long racemes of white flowers starting in mid-May.
Pronunciation
(zan-THOS-er-as)(sor-bi-FO-li-um)
Plant Type
All Plants, Shrubs Deciduous
Hardiness Zone
(3)(4)-7
Sunlight
full
Moisture
average, draught tolerant
Soil & Site
average
Temperature
heat tolerant
Flowers
3/4 inch to 1 inch diameter fragrant flowers on a 6-10 inch long raceme
Fruit
thick walled seeds, 3 valved round capsule, reported to taste like macadamia nuts when roasted
Leaves
alternate, pinnate compound, leaflets deeply and sharply serrated, glossy green above
Dimensions
18-24 feet tall
Propagation
seeds require no pretreatment
Native Site
Northern China
Cultivar Origin
Cultivated since 1820's in Russia.
Misc Facts
Genus name from Greek xanthos yellow and keras, horn. Referring to the yellow horn-like appendages between the petals.
Author's Notes
I have only seen this plant in a few places and they were both Arboretums, never in landscapes. Very pretty when blooming. Seems to be very hardy in zone #5.
Notes & Reference
#01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #93-North American Landscape Trees (Arthur Lee Jacobson)