American Yellowwood Cladrastis kentukea
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Yellowwood boasts a graceful, spreading canopy that provides dappled shade beneath it. Its leaves radiate a vivid green hue and are arranged in a compound manner, meaning multiple leaflets join together along a central stem to form a single leaf. The leaflets themselves tend to be oval-shaped with a smooth edge, creating an elegant appearance. These leaves undergo a stunning transformation in the fall, turning to brilliant shades of yellow that lend the tree its common name. In the late spring to early summer, Yellowwood puts on a breathtaking floral display. It produces pendulous clusters of fragrant, white flowers that dangle elegantly from its branches. Each individual flower is shaped like a small pea, typical of the family to which Yellowwood belongs. After the flowering period, the plant may produce seed pods that persist into the winter, adding interest to the bare branches during the colder months. The bark of this tree is another attractive feature, presenting a smooth texture and a light gray color that can almost appear silver in certain lights. As the plant matures, its trunk and larger branches can develop deep furrows and ridges, giving the tree a more stately and distinguished character. Overall, Yellowwood is cherished for its ornamental qualities, which make it a favored choice for residential landscapes and public gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
American Yellowwood, Kentucky Yellowwood, Virgilia, Yellowwood
Common names
Cladrastis lutea, Cladrastis tinctoria.
ToxicityTo humans
Yellowwood is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious side effects from ingesting parts of the Cladrastis kentukea, which is also known as the Yellowwood. Therefore, the consumption of this plant does not typically pose a health risk to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild reactions in some people.
To pets
Yellowwood is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of toxicity in domestic animals such as dogs and cats from ingesting parts of the Cladrastis kentukea, which is also known as the Yellowwood. Thus, it is generally considered safe regarding the potential risk of poisoning for pets. Nevertheless, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
Spread
30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade provider: Cladrastis kentukea, also known as yellowwood, offers ample shade with its broad canopy, making it an excellent tree for parks and large gardens.
- Aesthetic appeal: Yellowwood is highly valued for its ornamental features, including its smooth, gray bark and its showy, white spring flowers that hang in wisteria-like clusters.
- Seasonal interest: In addition to its spring blooms, yellowwood has attractive, pinnate foliage that turns yellow in the fall, providing seasonal color changes throughout the year.
- Durable wood: The timber of yellowwood is strong and has been used in cabinetry and woodworking due to its fine texture and resistance to splitting.
- Habitat for wildlife: The tree's seeds provide food for various bird species, while the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites.
- Low maintenance: Once established, yellowwood trees are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and being resistant to most pests and diseases.
- Urban tolerance: Yellowwood is tolerant of urban conditions, which includes some degree of pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city planting.
- Erosion control: With its deep root system, yellowwood can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Yellowwood is used in the creation of musical instruments, particularly guitars, due to its fine-grained wood that provides excellent sound quality.
- The plant is sometimes used in artisanal furniture making, where its attractive wood grain and color can be showcased.
- Because of the strong and flexible nature of yellowwood timber, it is occasionally employed in the construction of longbows used in archery.
- Yellowwood can be planted along streets and in parking lot islands as it is tolerant to urban conditions, making it a valuable urban forestry asset.
- The tree is used in landscape design both for its striking spring flowers and its autumn foliage, which adds seasonal interest.
- The tree's canopy provides shade in gardens and parks, which can help reduce energy costs by cooling the areas beneath it.
- Cladrastis kentukea is sometimes utilized as a honey plant; bees visit its flowers, and the resulting honey is highly valued.
- The light color and workability of its wood make yellowwood a choice material for carving and turnery projects.
- Its resistance to rot and decay allows for yellowwood to be used in the crafting of outdoor wooden structures such as pergolas or trellises.
- Yellowwood seedpods can be used as a natural source of dye or ink, providing a range of colors from green to brown.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe American Yellowwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe American Yellowwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The American Yellowwood is known to have a cyclic life pattern, shedding its leaves and growing anew each year, symbolizing the idea of renewal and fresh starts.
- Beauty: With its striking display of white flowers during bloom time, the American Yellowwood is often associated with beauty and grace in the plant world.
- Longevity: The American Yellowwood is a hardy tree that can live for many years. Its longevity makes it a symbol of endurance and the passage of time.
- Rarity: Because this tree is not commonly found everywhere and can be quite particular about its growing conditions, it symbolizes uniqueness and rarity.
WaterFor the American Yellowwood, it's important to water it deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the first growing season, water the tree once a week with about 15 to 20 gallons, making sure the water penetrates the soil deeply. After establishment, American Yellowwood typically requires less frequent watering; providing it with 20 gallons every two to three weeks during dry spells is usually sufficient. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe American Yellowwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, plant the tree in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If placed in too much shade, the tree may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe American Yellowwood is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It survives in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing range is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree is quite adaptable but it prefers conditions that avoid extremes of heat or cold.
PruningPrune the American Yellowwood to maintain its shape and health, usually after it has finished flowering in early summer. Prune out any dead or crossing branches to encourage airflow and light penetration. This species does not require heavy pruning; once every few years is typically adequate unless there are broken or damaged limbs that should be removed promptly.
CleaningNot needed
SoilAmerican Yellowwood prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand in equal parts would create an ideal growing medium that ensures proper moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain, preventing root rot.
RepottingAmerican Yellowwood trees, being large, are usually not repotted; they are planted directly in the ground. Young trees may need transplanting every few years until they are established.
Humidity & MistingAmerican Yellowwood does well in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
American Yellowwood is not suited for indoor growth; it's a large tree.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun or partial shade, water regularly, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once the seed germinates, it develops into a seedling with true leaves characteristic of the species. The seedling grows into a juvenile tree, focusing on establishing a strong root system and gaining height. After several years, the tree reaches reproductive maturity and starts to produce fragrant white flowers in long panicles during the late spring, which subsequently develop into seed pods containing seeds for dispersal. The tree enters a mature phase, during which it can live and reproduce for many years, often several decades, characterized by a broad, rounded crown with compound leaves and smooth, beech-like bark. Eventually, the tree will age and enter senescence, where growth slows, and it becomes more susceptible to environmental stress and pests, culminating in the end of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter
Propogation: The American yellowwood, or Cladrastis kentukea, is usually propagated by seed, as it is the most popular method. Seed propagation should be done in the fall, coinciding with seed maturity. Seeds first require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, which involves mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at around 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius) for a period of 60 to 90 days. After cold stratification, the seeds can be sown in prepared beds with well-draining soil in the spring. Seedlings usually require several years of growth before they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
