
Photo: Hooker, W.J., Hooker, J.D., Icones Plantarum [Hooker’s] Icones plantarum], vol. 29: t. 2839 (1907) [M. Smith]CC BY 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Yeheb nut Plant Care
Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cordeauxia edulis is a plant in the family Fabaceae and the sole species in the genus Cordeauxia. Known by the common name yeheb bush, it is one of the economically most important wild plants of the Horn of Africa, but it is little known outside of its distribution area. It is a multipurpose plant, which allows the survival of nomads by providing them with seeds. Further the bush serves forage for livestock, firewood and dye. Its wild population is currently declining. Because it is potentially valuable for other hot, dry regions as a resource for food and fodder, it's recommended to take measures against its extinction.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Yeheb nut?
Plant Yeheb nut in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Yeheb nut?
Yeheb nut (Cordeauxia edulis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cordeauxia genus. Yeheb nut is also known as Cordeauxia edulis.
Yeheb nut displays a small, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Yeheb nut produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yeheb nut?
Water a young or newly planted Yeheb nut every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Yeheb nut Need?
Yeheb nut thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yeheb nut Prefer?
Cordeauxia edulis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Yeheb nut prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yeheb nut?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Yeheb nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yeheb nut?
Feed Yeheb nut every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Yeheb nut?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Yeheb nut is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Yeheb nut?
Yeheb nut can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Yeheb nut?
Prune Yeheb nut while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Yeheb nut in Winter?
Yeheb nut is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Yeheb nut?
Yeheb nut can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Yeheb nut Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Yeheb nut, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Yeheb nut?
Yeheb nut is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Yeheb nut Need?
Yeheb nut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Yeheb nut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Yeheb nut is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cordeauxia genus — compare its care with other Cordeauxia species on PlantoScan.
Cordeauxia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Yeheb nut thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1907: 361 (1907)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Yeheb nut, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Hooker, W.J., Hooker, J.D., Icones Plantarum [Hooker’s] Icones plantarum], vol. 29: t. 2839 (1907) [M. Smith], CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
