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Common Name: Yellowhorn

General Information

Xanthoceras sorbifolium is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - N. China.

Habitat

Thickets in drier areas, usually on shaded slopes.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a good loamy soil[], but succeeds in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position[, ]. Prefers a warm dry situation[]. Requires protection from cold winds[].
Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[]. They grow best in areas with warm summers and dry springs without late frosts[], the young growth can be damaged by late spring frosts[, ]. They require summer heat in order to fully ripen their wood and to stimulate the production of flower buds[, ]. They are subject to attacks by 'coral spot' fungus, particularly if the wood is not fully ripened and is then damaged by winter cold[].
Flowers are produced on the previous year's wood[]. Plants are usually slow to become established[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - cooked[, , ]. They are usually boiled[].
Leaves - cooked[, , ]. They are usually boiled[].
Seed - cooked[, , ]. The seed is about the size of a pea, it is quite sweet[], with a taste like a sweet chestnut[]. The seed is husked and then ground into a powder and boiled[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - 3 months cool stratification improves germination rates[] so the seed is probably best sown in a cold frame in the autumn[]. Another report says that the seed can be sown in a warm greenhouse in late winter or early spring[], probably after stratification[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. Grow the on in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse for their first winter then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Consider giving them some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors.
Root cuttings, 3cm long planted horizontally in pots in a frame in December or January. Good percentage[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season[]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.