Description
Xanthoceras sorbifolium, known as yellowhorn, goldenhorn, popcorn shrub, or Chinese flowering chestnut, is a rare and beautiful large shrub or small tree from northern China where it is a sacred tree planted in temple gardens. The 6-12 inch long, shiny, deciduous leaves are compoundly pinnate with 9-17 leaflets that turn golden yellow in autumn. The one inch wide, fragrant, white flowers, the centres of which are yellow turning to red and which are popular with bees, are produced in 4-8 inch panicles. The trees are incredibly long-lived up to 2000 years. The edible flowers and foliage are usually boiled or stir-fried. The edible seeds smell like popcorn when roasted and taste like sweet chestnuts or macadamia nuts. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground and boiled. Drought tolerant once established. Possibly hardy into zone 2.
