Latin Name: Cladrastis kentukea
Height: 30 – 50 feet
Spread: 40 – 55 feet
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Time: May
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Description:
The American Yellowwood is a native tree with smooth gray bark that will produce fragrant wisteria like white flowers after 8-10 years; they might only bloom profusely every 2-3 years. These flowers give way to yellow-brown flat seedpods mature in September to October. The leaves will change to a clear yellow in autumn. American Yellowwood is named due to the yellow dye that colors the heartwood. This tree prefers well-draining soils, will tolerate short dry spells, and needs protection from strong winds. Prune in summer NOT in winter or spring. Yellowwood does not transplant easily – transplant when it younger as roots grow deep, allowing shade plants to grow beneath it. It has an open, spreading crown and is slow growing when young.
Attracts: Bees; Birds
Other Names: Single Stem; previously Cladrastis lutea