Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
Also called kentucky yellowwood, american yellowwood.
Cascading wisteria-like white flowers in late spring on a smooth, gray-barked tree that few nurseries grow.
Showy flowersFall colorRare
- Type
- Medium tree
- Mature height
- 30–50 ft
- USDA zones
- 4–8
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Sun
- Full · Part
- Soil moisture
- Average
210
Native to a handful of limestone valleys from Kentucky to Arkansas, yellowwood is hardy far beyond that range and makes one of the best mid-sized shade trees for a yard. Fragrant flower panicles appear in heavy bloom every two or three years once the tree matures, fall color is clear yellow, and the roots tolerate ordinary soil. Prune only in summer to avoid bleeding.
Heights and zones are typical ranges for the species in cultivation; local conditions and seed source shift them. Estimate growth for this species →
More like this