Frank, how long have you had the tree? I just purchased a VERY small one this year and I thought it was a little questionable for Z5 but wanted to go for it anyway. Yours looks very happy. Do you winter protect it at all.
Thanks for sharing photos!

I've had it at least 15 years. It gets no winter protection. I grew some from seed last year but they didn't harden off in time for winter and I lost them. I'll try again next spring.
Frank

have you tried eating the seeds? Supposedly they taste a little like Macadamia nuts (though some sources claim they can have a "soapy" taste if not ripe)...

I can't recall if the recommendation is to roast the nuts or not, though.

I planted one 2 years ago and its in a shady spot (no better places available) and its growth has been pretty poor. I'm hoping to try a regular fertilizer regimen next spring to get more growth on it.

~Chills

Xanthoceras is a plant they are trying in India for food, as it is very tough where acclimated.

I'm definitely intrigued that 5A in OH can support that tree - High Country Gardens doesn't recommend Z5 any more for it. I used to plant them in CA but here in Colo Ive avoided it. Does it get winter wind protection by a building or evergreens?

Dan

This tree gets the full force of our S.W. winds. Last winter we had some of the worse winter winds ever, It blew over a 40' spruce tree that was about 30' away from this tree. I lost several boxwood that I've been growing for years on the East side of my house with some wind protection. I also had severe damage to all Pinus thunbergii. The cats love to play and scratch on this tree. I don't know how you could possibly kill this tree but my wife has been wanting to cut it down for years. That I won't allow.

Frank

Mine is getting on 10 years old now here in SE Michigan. No winter problems. But, it has never set any fruits/seeds. I know it is said to be self-fertile, but I'm kind of doubting that. It's not as big and impressive as the OP's plant, but it's not bad. Very pretty even if it doesn't ever have any nuts.

Reeseville Ridge Nursery out of Wisconsin grows and sells it as Zone-4-hardy.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reeseville Ridge Nursery

My tree, some 8 years old, had one nut last year, the first ever. I love this small tree. Very beautiful and very early bloom.

Starterdude and Laceyvail, I'm so glad to see 2 folks in Z5 growing this tree. I was hoping it would survive for me if only to be a small shrub. Are you growing it in full sun, part-shade? Right now mine is in a temporary home because it is so small, but I will have choices for its final resting place, so I'd like to know what conditions you have it growing in. Starter, it looks like full sun from your picture?

I might have to find a spot on my medium-sized 'burb lot...

Dan

Yep, full sun and clay soil.

Frank

Here in arid western Nebraska it just doesn't make it. We and others have had a lot of yellowhorns planted. They invariably freeze back to a shrubby bush. I know of one prospering in the south part of the state that is doing well but it is about 100 miles east and south of here.

Uh oh. Although my name says zone 5, I'm actually zone 6. I just can't get this stupid site to accept changes on my page, and I've given up trying.

Thanks for the info. Wish me luck!! If my little guy that I bought this year doesn't make it through winter, I'm going to take my chances and buy a bigger one. I REALLY want this in my yard!