Nothing brightens a yard or patio than a tree with popping yellow flowers! Yellow flowers seamlessly illuminate a yard and can be a great addition to whatever greenery you have. These trees can also give off a great aroma as well, including those that emit a citrusy scent. Let’s take a look at the seven most popular trees with yellow flowers.
1. Ylang Ylang Tree
First and foremost, if you’re looking for a popular tree with yellow flowers and want one that is quite unique, definitely look into getting a ylang ylang, or Cananga odorata. While most of these grow to about 50 feet tall, some can get over 60 feet, meaning they make a real statement in any plot of land. While they definitely stand out, they aren’t too flashy, as their flowers initially blossom the same color as their leaves and then briefly turn to a brighter yellow before darkening and falling off of the tree. The greatest thing about this tree is the scent it gives off; in fact, it is even used in some popular, expensive perfumes. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a tree that will have yellow blooms soon, the ylang ylang tree might not be right for you, as the flowers normally start blooming after 3 years.
2. Golden Chain Tree
Arguably the most popular tree with yellow flowers is the golden chain tree, or Laburnum anagyroides. This tree is sometimes referred to as the “Goldilocks” of trees,
Golden chain trees are great options for you if you reside in a region that doesn’t have “extreme” temperatures, as these thrive in average temperatures. They love the sun, but not extremely hot temperatures, so if you live in a desert climate, this might not be the best option for you. These trees can reach 25 feet tall, but oftentimes stay more towards 20 feet tall. Regardless what height yours reaches, prepare yourself to have bright, popping yellow flowers during Spring.
3. Yellow Trumpet Tree
If you’re looking for an excellent tree for your patio or just a pop of color in your yard, a yellow trumpet tree (AKA Tabebuia caraiba) might be a great idea. These normally grow up to between 15 and 25 feet and their mature width reaches 10 to 15 feet. As you would expect, the tree gets its name from the groups of yellow flowers that are shaped like trumpets. Yellow trumpet trees can survive in even the hottest weather and their yellow flowers bloom early in the Spring so you can enjoy them the entire season. Even if you live in a colder climate, you can have one of these if you put it in a pot and transfer it indoors when it gets too cold.
4. Sunny Knock Out Rose Tree
Roses don’t always have to be red! Another great option for buying a tree with yellow flowers is the sunny knock out rose tree, or Rosa ‘RADsunny.’ These trees are quite short compared to others – only getting up to about 4 feet – so they are great for entryways and front and back decks. Fortunately, these are some of the most disease-resistant trees and require very little maintenance compared to other types of rose bushes and trees. Best of all, the yellow roses can sometimes last for up to nine months out of the year once the tree is mature – that’s right, nine months!
5. Forsythia
Forsythia trees, or Forsythia x intermedia, are a great option if you like to work out in the garden. They require several prunings throughout the season, but if gardening is your hobby, this won’t be a problem for you. Just like the yellow trumpet tree, the forsythia tree blooms in the early spring and lasts all spring and sometimes into the summer. However, once the flowers are gone, the pop of color is still there! Stunning green leaves start to grow and, while not as vibrant as the yellow, they still stand out among other trees and foliage and can really make a statement in your yard. The maximum height is normally approximately 12 feet.
6. Oregon Grape
The Oregon Grape tree, or Berberis aquifolium, works well for those looking to have a variety of colors throughout the year and not just yellow. As you might gather from the name, the tree is native to Oregon and the surrounding states. Some of these trees are short and only reach three feet tall, but others reach more towards ten feet tall. The bright yellow flowers bloom from April to May. The edible “grapes” normally have an unpleasant taste when eaten by themselves so you might want to use them in a jam mix instead of consuming them solo. This tree is wonderful, as you also get other colors out of it throughout the year including a burgundy red color and a blueish/purple color.
7. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel trees, or Hamamelis virginiana, differ from many other trees with yellow flowers because they bloom during the Fall instead of the Spring. The flowers are also very unique because they form in an oval shape up to 6 inches and they have a crunched, crumbled appearance. The yellow flowers have more of a creamy appearance instead of a bright, popping yellow like some of the other trees with yellow flowers outlined here, and Witch Hazel trees are known to have a very nice fragrance when they are in full bloom. These bloom from October to December and can reach a height of 25 feet. They are also rather low maintenance and only require minimal pruning.