Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’

‘Sunburst’ is a garden classic for a reason. Feathery pinnate leaves emerge a vibrant bright yellow in spring, gradually settle to a soft lime-green through summer, then brighten back to warm yellow in autumn. It’s effectively three seasons of colour on a single tree.

It’s a thornless form, which is a real bonus, and pod-free too, so no messy cleanup. The light airy canopy casts dappled shade rather than heavy shadow, which means you can still grow plants underneath. It holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Eventually reaches around 10 to 12m with a rounded crown. Plant in full sun for the strongest leaf colour, in any reasonable well-drained soil. Very tolerant of urban conditions and pollution.

A proper specimen tree for a lawn, front garden, or urban street-side planting.