Nothing speaks of sunshine like the glorious colour yellow. Plants boasting yellow flowers and leaves stick out a mile in a garden display, bringing instant brightness and ambience to the space.
But when it comes to yellow flowering trees and shrubs, there are so many to choose from it can be difficult to pick just one.
Yet there’s no need to fret – we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll go through 35 of the best yellow flowering trees for UK gardens, giving you details on the unique qualities of each, as well as important info about their suitability for different garden sizes and styles.
1. Yellow Oleander (Cacabela thevetia)
Yellow Oleander is a small tree endemic to Mexico and various Tropical American countries. It grows to around 6 metres, so some actually consider it a shrub rather than a tree. If you have a small garden to work with, this could be a top choice for you.
However, think twice about choosing this plant if you have children or pets. Yellow Oleander produces a toxic, milky sap that is poisonous if eaten and causes irritation if it comes into direct contact with skin. So, it’s not the safest plant to have around!
2. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
If you’re after a unique tree with an oriental twist, you can’t go wrong with Kousa Dogwood. This is a small tree – that doesn’t typically exceed 6 metres – originally from China, Vietnam, Japan, and a handful of other countries in eastern Asia.
As this plant isn’t a UK native, it can struggle in our climate. However, ensure it has sufficient water in the summer, particularly in its first 3 years of life, and it’ll do just fine.
3. Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu)
For tall trees with big, showy blooms, choose the Tipu Tree. This South American tree shines bright with grand golden-yellow flowers that reveal themselves in late spring and early summer. But wait, there’s more. In autumn, the Tipu Tree replaces its splendid flowers with winged seed pods, so it continues to excite right through the seasons.
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4. Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)
The Sweet Acacia tree is one of my personal favourites. Why? Well, just look at it! With its fine, feathery leaflets and highly scented pom-pom blooms, there’s so much to love about this plant.
While this plant, like most, loses leaves when autumn swings around, it’s semi-evergreen, meaning it retains some of them. So, if you hate to look at bare, twiggy trees over winter, Sweet Acacia is a safe bet.
5. Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava)
Yellow Buckeyes are medium to large-sized trees, reaching heights of 20 metres and a spread of 10 metres. Due to their size, these are best suited to big gardens, parks and woodlands.
My local garden centre described Yellow Buckeyes as having “candles of yellow flowers,” and I have used this phrase ever since, as their elongated and upright clusters of bright yellow flowers closely resemble the shape and arrangement of candles on a candlestick or candelabra.
6. Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri)
The Golden Chain Tree, also commonly known simply as “Laburnum,” is extremely popular in the UK. Why? Well, there is no other reason than its gorgeous golden yellow blooms that dangle from the tree’s branches like, you guessed it, golden chains! While these trees prefer soil rich in organic matter, they’ll survive in most soil types, making them an easy tree to have around, too!
7. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Witch Hazel has awe-inspiring flowers that form distinctive spidery, ribbon-like shapes. The tree produces flowers in various shades, but the most common colours are yellow and orange.
This tree’s fascinating name originates in folk history. Early settlers and natives would use Witch Hazel to find underground water sources. They would take a Witch Hazel branch as they walked across land, and if the branch twisted or dipped at any point, they took this as a signal that water was underfoot. They called this “water-witching.”
8. Common Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus)
The Common Spindle Tree is a small, UK native that grows to around 6 metres tall. With the combination of colourful autumn foliage, bright yellow flowers, and adaptability to various growing conditions, the Common Spindle Tree will just about suit any garden. However, it will look particularly appealing in a wildlife, woodland, or ornamental garden, in hedgerows, or in a mixed shrub border.
9. Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox)
Palo Brea is a graceful tree which forms an umbrella-shaped canopy that spreads up to 8 metres wide in maturity. If you have a big desert garden that’s missing a large tree, this plant’s architectural shape – created by its interweaving, twisted branches – will provide the finishing touch you need. In mid to late spring, Palo Brea produces large sprays of yellow flowers that are a sight to behold.
10. Chinese Flame Tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata)
Chinese Flame Trees are small, generally reaching full height at 8 metres, and spreading 4 metres wide. With the abundance of yellow flowers, they show off in autumn and the beautiful lantern-shaped seed capsules they produce afterwards, this specimen tree will surely capture everyone’s interest.
11. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
The Tulip Tree is another corker that’s popular among UK gardeners because, well, we love Tulips, don’t we? So, when a tree with Tulip-like flowers showed up from America, we quickly began planting it in our parks and large gardens? The Tulip Tree bears these yellow-green flowers at the end of its branches in spring.
12. Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum is most commonly known as an ornamental tree, but it has served many purposes over the years. It has been used as fodder, its bark has been used as a light yellow dye, and its flower is often used as decoration in the Batukamma Festival in Telangana State! And to top it all off, its timber is popular for cabinet making.
13. Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula)
If Laburnum hadn’t already taken the name “Golden Chain Tree,” this tree would have snapped it up sharpish. Upon first glance, it shares a striking resemblance to the Laburnum on this list in the flowering season due to its gorgeous shower of golden-yellow flowers.
However, these two trees differ in their climate preferences, as the Golden Shower Tree is native to Southeast Asia and India, whereas the Golden Chain Tree naturally occurs far closer to home in southern Europe.
14. Long-Leaved Wattle (Acacia longifolia)
Long-Leaved Wattle is a small tree (or a tall shrub to some) endemic to southeastern Australia. It’s evergreen, so it keeps its leaves year-round and, like the Yellow Buckeye, produces candle-like yellow blooms. However, these are much thinner and daintier on the Long-Leaved Wattle than they are on the Yellow Buckeye.
15. Yellow Silk Cotton Tree (Cochlospermum religiosum)
The Yellow Silk Cotton Tree is a cheerful plant native to Thailand, Burma, and India. It has buttercup-like blooms, which cause some people to call it the “Buttercup Tree.” However, its most common name, Yellow Silk Cotton Tree, comes from the cotton-like material found growing in its seed capsules.
16. Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
The Cornelian Cherry tree is showy all year round, and we love it for this. While it does lose its leaves come autumn, it’s a spring-flowerer. So, when the warmer weather rears its head, the Cornelian Cherry’s naked branches become adorned with delicate clusters of yellow flowers. Then, in summer, it produces delicious fruit that you can eat straight off the tree or use for making preserves or syrups.
Use it as a specimen tree in a cottage or wildlife garden or as a natural screen or hedge for privacy.
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17. Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana)
The Cootamundra Wattle has delicate, feathery foliage and lively yellow blossoms create a striking contrast against its fern-like silver-grey bark. This Australian native tree is drought-tolerant but typically prefers warmer temperatures than the UK climate offers, meaning you’ll likely have to grow this one indoors or in a greenhouse.
18. Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
Considered a large shrub or small tree, the Japanese Tree Lilac has a lot to give, whatever you call it. Its flowers are mostly creamy white, but they’re tinged with yellow, making them an extremely pale yellow shade. These blossoms have a heady fragrance and are full of nectar, attracting pollinators from all around.
19. Mimosa Tree (Acacia dealbata)
The Mimosa Tree is one of the most unique on this list, with energetic yellow puffball-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. It also has delicate, fern-like foliage and a sweet fragrance, so it really has bucket-loads of exceptional qualities. This non-native species is an excellent choice for medium to large-sized gardens and parks, as it grows 12 metres tall in the UK.
20. Evergreen Dogwood (Cornus capitata)
The Evergreen Dogwood has creamy white flowers that have a yellow tinge. They have a highly distinctive shape, with four rounded bracts that could easily fool you into believing they’re petals. Once the flowers disappear, the Evergreen Dogwood produces a collection of strawberry-red berries which don’t just catch the eye but are edible, too!
21. Golden Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia chrysotrichus)
The Golden Trumpet Tree is a small tree (8 metres tall) suitable for a small or medium-sized garden. This tree’s vibrance and ability to retain some of its leaves over winter make it the ideal front garden plant. Its showy flowers appear sporting a trumpet shape and bright yellow hue. While these flowers are at their best in spring and summer, they’re even beautiful as the tree’s blooming season ends, as the petals litter the floor below.
22. Kentucky Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)
The Kentucky Yellowwood is a captivating tree known for its cascading clusters of fragrant, wisteria-like yellow blossoms. This rare tree is native to the southeastern United States, making it a precious find in the UK. If you’re a garden enthusiast who likes rare, ornamental species, this one’s for you.
23. Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ (M. acuminata x denudata)
Magnolias typically have white or pink blooms, but Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ really sings with its canary-yellow flowers that show off a tulip-like shape. If you love the smell of citrus, Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a must due to its decadent lemony scent. It’s also a pretty hardy plant, capable of managing in both cold and hot conditions, perfect for our temperamental weather here in the UK!
24. Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ (M. acuminata x denudata)
Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ is another spectacular Magnolia hybrid, also created by crossing the Yulan Magnolia (M. denaudata) with the cucumber tree (M. acuminata). This tree is special, as it was one of the very first yellow-flowering Magnolias available to us in garden centres and nurseries. It differs from Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ in its flower shape – instead of a tulip-style, its flowers form more of a cup shape.
25. Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
The Golden Rain Tree has three particularly impressive features of note: its leaves, flowers, and seed pods. Its leaves have a pinky hue in spring before turning yellow and then orange in autumn. Summer is when the Golden Rain Tree’s gorgeous yellow and orange flowers come out, then these are quickly followed by papery lantern-like seed pods.
This tree has a high tolerance for urban environments, making it an exceptional choice if you live in a busy city or town and only have a medium-sized space to work with.
26. Yellow Lilac Trees (Syringa vulgaris ‘Primrose’ Tree)
Yellow Lilac Trees are a delightful rare tree. They showcase clusters of fragrant, buttery-yellow blooms in spring, setting them apart from the more common purple lilacs. ‘Primrose’ Lilacs will add a sunny, aromatic touch to your garden and are known to attract pollinators in their many.
27. Sunsation Magnolia (Magnolia ‘Sunsation’)
We’ve definitely been graced with the Magnolia jackpot in this list. The third of the stunning Magnolia varieties is the Sunsation Magnolia. This deciduous tree produces a profusion of upright, yellowy blooms that look similar to rhubarb and custard with their purple base. The Sunsation Magnolia is a late bloomer, flowering in late spring – this protects its blooms from any harsh frosts. Clever, right?
28. Pineapple Broom Trees (Cytisus battandieri ‘Yellow Tail’)
Pineapple Broom Trees gain their name from the distinctive pineapple aroma of their foliage. These trees have brilliant yellow cascading flowers in late spring, causing all manner of butterflies and bees to visit. These are bushy trees that only reach a spread of 3 metres and a height of 4 metres in 20 years, so they’re the ultimate tree for a small garden.
29. Japanese Flowering Cherry ‘Ukon’ (Prunus ‘Ukon’)
The Japanese Flowering Cherry ‘Ukon’ is popular for its graceful, draping branches adorned with pale yellow flowers in spring. This cultivar, originally from Japan, is celebrated for its resistance to cherry tree disease and its role in the annual cherry blossom festival in Japan, where it symbolises good health, life and happiness.
30. Golden Weeping Willow (Salix ‘Chrysocoma’)
The Golden Weeping Willow is a picturesque tree that is best planted in wet areas that many other trees may struggle to survive in. If you have a river or stream running through your garden or a pond or water feature, these are the prime spots for a Golden Weeping Willow. This tree quickly becomes a valuable habitat for many bird species once established, so if you’re a keen birdwatcher, this is a good pick for you!
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31. Small-Leaved Lime (Tilia Cordata)
Small-Leaved Limes are deciduous trees that are best known for their heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, pale-yellow blossoms. When we look beyond this plant’s appearance, we notice its rich cultural history. In the past, its bark was used for making rope due to its fibrous quality, and it has been a long-standing contributor to honey production due to its ability to attract honeybees.
32. Voss’ Laburnum (Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’)
Voss’ Laburnum is a cultivar produced by crossing the Scotch Laburnum (L. alpinum) and the Common Laburnum (L. anagyroides). Many experts call this the best Laburnum around due to its extreme hardiness, being able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. However, it’s important to know that the Voss’ Laburnum has poisonous seeds, so it’s best to proceed with caution with this one.
33. Blue Paloverde (Parkinsonia Florida)
Blue Paloverde is a medium-sized tree (10-12 metres) that has striking blue-green bark, a quality reflected in its name. It’s endemic to the southwestern United States and Mexico and is a true survivor in arid climates, as it can photosynthesise through its colourful bark. Its sunny yellow flowers brighten the desert landscapes, so it’ll suit a desert-style garden extremely well.
34. Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa)
The Silk Floss Tree is an eccentric plant with several funky qualities. For starters, its trunk is adorned with big, sharp spikes to stop animals from climbing it. This quality is particularly beneficial when the tree is young as, at this age, it’s easy to damage the delicate branches. Its second interesting quality is its flowers, which look extremely similar to those produced by lilies – with thin, rectangular petals that curl backwards.
35. California Flannelbush (Fremontodendron Californicum)
California Flannelbush is a small tree or shrub that produces stunning, saucer-shaped flowers in an eye-catching shade of golden yellow. When its petals open, they reveal big, orange anthers, which add even more interest to this plant. California Flannelbush is also a hit with wildlife, attracting butterflies in droves.
FAQs
What is the trees with yellow flowers?
There are many varieties of trees with yellow flowers. However, the most common are the Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) – known for its long, drooping clusters of bright yellow flowerings – and the Laburnum Tree (Laburnum anagyroides), which owes its popularity to its sunny blooms and pendulous racemes.
What are the yellow flowering trees in the UK?
Common Laburnum is one of the most well-known yellow flowering trees in the UK. It’s a deciduous tree that grows up to 7 metres tall and has bright green leaves and stunning yellow flowering in late spring or early summer. The flowers are pea-like and appear in long, hanging clusters that can be up to 30 cm in length.
What is the name of the tree that is yellow?
The Honey Locust is a large tree known for its distinctive yellow-green foliage. The leaves are typically bright green and turn a yellow or yellow-green colour in autumn, creating a striking appearance. Honey Locusts can vary in size, but they usually grow to 30 metres in the UK.
What trees have bright yellow leaves in autumn?
Silver Birch, Field Maple, Norway Maple, Willows, Common Beech, Poplars, and Common Hornbeam all produce leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn. These are all popular varieties in the UK, and you’ll often see them growing in gardens, parks and streets.
If you simply can’t get enough of the colour yellow and want to add some shrubs to your collection, you’ll love our detailed list of 21 Yellow Flowering Shrubs!
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