Cladrastis kentukea American

American Yellowwood

(American Yellowwood)
A magnificent native North American ornamental tree admired for its cascading clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, smooth gray bark, and brilliant clear-yellow fall color. American yellowwood is long-lived, refined, and elegant—often considered one of the most beautiful native flowering shade trees.

Size:



Width: 30–40 ft



Height: 30–50 ft



Zones: 4a–8b

Light: Full sun to partial shade
(Best flowering and strongest structure in full sun.)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay and loam; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH

Features:



Flowers: Pendulous clusters of fragrant, white pea-like blooms in late spring



Foliage: Blue-green compound leaves turning bright yellow in fall



Bark: Smooth gray bark with subtle striping—ornamental year-round



Form: Upright when young, maturing into a broad, rounded canopy with graceful branching



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

Uses:
Specimen tree, lawns, parks, large residential landscapes, native plantings

Notes:



Flowering is age-dependent; trees may take several years to bloom, but displays are spectacular once mature.



Wood can be somewhat brittle—avoid heavy pruning and plant away from strong winds.



Native to the southeastern United States and generally pest- and disease-resistant.

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree, Shade Tree

Height

30-50'

Width

30-40'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No