About
This slow-growing, spreading deciduous tree with large, bipinnate leaves up to 1m long. Young shoots have a grey-white bloom, most noticeable in winter. These are pink-tinged when young, and turn yellow in autumn. Each leaflet is divided into 8-14 oval, softly hairy, dark green leaflets.
About the genus
Gymnocladus are deciduous trees with a spreading habit and large, bipinnate leaves. The inconspicuous flowers are unlikely to appear in the UK as the summers are not hot enough
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toC & E N America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationBest grown as a specimen tree in deep, fertile, moist but wel-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn, or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free