American Yellowwood
Did you know?
Although American Yellowwood trees (Cladrastis kentukea) have gray bark that externally resembles beech trees, they were actually named for the yellow color of their inner heartwood.
Size
Up to 50 feet tall and wide
Flowers, Fruit, Foliage
Fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring on long, pendulous panicles that can grow to be over 12 inches long. The fruits are 2 - 4 inch long, bright green, flattened legume pods. Oval-shaped leaflets are pinnately compound and have prominent midribs. Autumn color is an attractive yellow-gold.
Pests & Diseases
None serious
Landscape Use
Great as a specimen or shade tree
Care Practices
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in an area with full sun. These cold hardy trees tolerate a variety of soil types, pollution, and moderate drought once established. Susceptible to wind damage, as branches and twigs are quite brittle. Prune only in summer months to prevent sap bleeding.
Native Range
River valleys of the southeastern United States