Cladrastis kentukea (Yellowwood)

A fine tree for the landscape, Cladrastis kentukea (Yellowwood) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a broad-rounded crown of graceful, upward-spreading branches clothed with pinnately-compound leaves. Emerging yellow-green, the leaves mature to bright green as the season progresses and turn yellow to golden brown in the fall. In spring, a profusion of large, pendant panicles, 8-14 in. long (20-35 cm), of intensely fragrant white flowers cascade from the canopy. Resembling wisteria, they create a most spectacular floral show. However, Yellowwood may bloom only once every 2 or 3 years and young trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. The flowers are followed by hanging clusters of small dry bean-pods, maturing in the fall and persisting into winter. The older branches and trunk are smooth, gray and beech-like. The heavy crop of fragrant flowers, handsome foliage, attractive fall color, appealing smooth bark, and good resistance to disease and insect problems make it a desirable tree for landscaping. An excellent specimen tree or shade tree, it deserves a prominent position in the landscape.

• Grows up to 30-50 ft. tall (9-15 m) and 40-50 ft. wide (12-15 m).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, fertile, well-drained soils.
• Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease issues.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Prune after flowering or in late autumn.
• Sow seeds as soon as ripe in the autumn and keep in cold frame – propagation trees from sed. Take root cuttings in winter.
• Native to the southeastern United States.