Plant Profile: Cladrastis kentukea

Yellowwood is a native tree characterized by its elegant, wide-spreading crown, offering visual appeal across three seasons. In spring, it showcases clusters of flowers that give way to yellow-brown fruits, while its foliage transforms into vibrant yellow-orange hues during the fall. The tree's smooth gray bark provides additional interest throughout the winter months. Although its deep root system complicates transplanting, it creates a suitable environment for shade-loving plants to thrive beneath it, making Yellowwood an excellent choice for a shade tree.

For optimal growth, plant it in moderately moist garden soil and shield it from winter winds to prevent branch damage. Once established, the tree exhibits drought resistance. Regular corrective pruning is often required to remove weak branch forks, and it is advisable to prune only during the summer months to avoid sap bleeding.