Other Names:  Littleleaf Leadtree, Wahootree, Lemonball

Description:

An attractive single or multi-stemmed small tree that is perfect for dry, rocky sites; bright yellow powder-puff flowers from spring to fall, especially after rain; very drought and heat tolerant; wood is brittle, so shelter from strong winds

Ornamental Features

Goldenball Leadtree features showy fragrant yellow ball-shaped flowers along the branches from mid spring to mid fall. It has attractive bluish-green deciduous foliage which emerges light green in spring. The tiny oval bipinnately compound leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy coppery-bronze pods which fade to brown over time, which are carried in abundance from late summer to late fall. The shaggy coppery-bronze bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Goldenball Leadtree is an open multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Goldenball Leadtree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Goldenball Leadtree will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This species is native to parts of North America..