American Yellowwood

American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

American Yellowwood is a graceful, medium-sized shade tree that earns its keep with fragrant white flower clusters and a clean, polished canopy. It brings a calm, classic look to lawns, patios, and mixed landscape beds without feeling oversized. When it blooms, the dangling flower panicles create a soft, wisteria-like effect that stands out from across the yard. In fall, the foliage turns clear yellow for a simple, bright finish to the season.

Distinctive Features

This tree is prized for smooth gray bark, refined compound leaves, and showy, fragrant white blooms that typically appear in late spring to early summer. Flowering can be variable from year to year, with heavier displays in some seasons, but the tree remains attractive even when not in bloom. The canopy is broadly rounded and casts light shade, making it comfortable near seating areas. It is sometimes sold under the older name Cladrastis lutea, and it is best sited away from spots where ice-laden branches could be a concern.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is best, and it adapts to a range of soils when drainage is good.
• Water: Moderate, water regularly during establishment, then provide supplemental water during extended drought.
• USDA Zones: 4 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 30 to 50 feet tall and 40 to 55 feet wide.
• Habit: Upright with a broad, rounded canopy.
• Foliage: Medium to dark green in summer, turning yellow in fall.
• Flowers: Fragrant white flower clusters in late spring to early summer.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant as a specimen where the drooping white flower clusters can be enjoyed from a patio or main window view.
• Shade Tree: Provides comfortable, light shade for small to medium lawns and outdoor living areas.
• Accent in Mixed Landscapes: Works well behind shrubs and perennials as a soft canopy that does not overpower the garden.
• Street and Front Yard Planting: Adds curb appeal with clean bark and a balanced crown when given enough space.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers can draw bees and other beneficial insects during bloom.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Prune in late winter to develop strong structure and remove crossing branches, especially while young.
• Watering: Deep water during the first 1 to 2 growing seasons to establish a resilient root system.
• Mulching: Mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Feeding: Fertilize only if needed based on soil conditions, as overly rich feeding is usually unnecessary.
• Placement: Site thoughtfully to reduce risk from ice or heavy snow loads on branches.

Why Choose American Yellowwood?

• Fragrant Bloom: Produces showy, sweetly scented white flowers that make the tree feel special in bloom.
• Fall Color: Clear yellow foliage brings a bright, clean autumn look.
• Refined Form: Offers a graceful canopy and smooth bark that look polished in four-season landscapes.
• Yard-Friendly Size: Fits small to medium landscapes better than many large shade trees when given proper spacing.
• Distinctive Character: Stands apart from common street trees with unique flowers and elegant texture.

If you want a shade tree with fragrance, seasonal highlight, and a calm, finished silhouette, American Yellowwood is a strong choice. Give it room to spread, good drainage, and a thoughtful placement, and it will reward you with a memorable bloom and dependable beauty for decades.