ELEGANT NATIVE TREE; FRAGRANT FLOWERS; YELLOW FALL FOLIAGE; VERY SPECIAL TREE

Species: Cladrastis kentukea

Delivery Plant Size, Type & Height: 15 Gallon; Greater than 6’; 30 Gallon; Greater than 7’ Tall; Container Grown

Mature Height: 30-50 feet

Mature Spread: 30-40 feet

Growth Rate: Slow 1’/year

Sunlight: Full Sun

Drought & Heat Tolerant: Moderate Drought Tolerance Once Established

Description: With its broad, rounded crown of delicate zig-zagging branches and smooth gray bark, the Yellowwood provides interest all year long. It is one of the rarest trees in this region and its modest size makes it suitable as an ornamental tree in many landscapes. 

Although it only flowers every other year, the fragrant white Wisteria-like flowers may be worth waiting for. They drape gracefully and reach 12 to 14 inches long, 5 to 5 inches wide.

Its name comes not only from its Fall foliage color but from the color of its heartwood, which was used in decorative woodturning and specialty furniture.

Growing Considerations:  Plant this tree in a full sun area that you’ll not forget to water it during the hot dry summer months. This is a SPECIAL tree; they are hard to find commercially available. Take care of this tree. The Yellowwood has a habit of trying to create a multiple trunk near the ground, so some pruning is encouraged to ensure branches grow at desired angles. It’s a deep-rooted tree, so planting flowers underneath it is not a problem.

Mono-Culture Risk: None

Invasive Risk: None