Cladrastis kentukea / American Yellowwood-Come Rain or Come Shine!
Yellowwood is a summer flowering medium size tree (30-50’ in ideal conditions) that likes clay soil. Excellent as a low-maintenance, small shade tree for residential lawns, particularly on smaller properties, it is especially appropriate near patios and terraces or grouped together on larger properties so the fragrance can be appreciated!
It is great for “green space” uses, wildlife habitat, projects that require low or minimum water usage, soil erosion issues and conservation projects such as rain gardens and storm water run off areas. Once established, this beautiful native tree is tolerant of variable weather conditions including brief wet periods in spring and early summer and frequent dry periods common during the summer season. It has a good water "take up" ability as its water need pattern corresponds well with the seasonal moisture excesses and shortages.
An alternative for the ash tree (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), this member of the pea family (legumes) is a “nitrogen fixer” that is sometimes said to have an “ash tree look”. It does have the yellow fall color, the same basic rounded shape/ form and a similar pinnately compound leaf pattern. Most importantly, it is without emerald ash borer problems or any other major insect and disease problems!
When shopping for this addition to the landscape, a big tree isn’t necessary! Instead look for a young tree that has at least a few clusters of the sweetly fragrant "wisteria like" flowers or the developing seed pods, indicating it is mature enough to produce flowers. Trees are relatively fast growing and the easiest to transplant when young. Growth slows naturally with maturity. Trees with the evidence of buds, flowers or seed pods are usually already more than 8 years old!
Although the flowers are typically white, new selections are now being introduced with a soft pink coloration to the petals. Like many flowering and fruiting trees, the most profuse blooming occurs in alternating years. Thin, beige- brown seed pods are present primarily in September-October. They are not usually considered a messy problems as they are not a significant contributor to fall clean up.
Both Cladrastis lutea and Cladrastis kentuckea are synonymous for this American beauty. The common name “yellowwood” refers to the distinctively color of the heartwood. This Missouri native naturally occurs in several southwestern counties near the White River and its tributaries. This tree is under planting tolerant of perennials and small shrubs, preferably at installation to avoid tree root damage.
Pruning is seldom needed, however if any trimming is done, wait till summer, after the flowering period has ended. It will bleed heavily if pruned in the winter or spring. The bark is beautiful and beech like, deserving focal point staging. Increase appreciation for true stuctural beauty by extending interest with the new solar uplightng for late evening enjoyment. this is a lovely native addition to the residential, commercial or municipal landscape.
Yellowwood is a summer flowering medium size tree (30-50’ in ideal conditions) that likes clay soil. Excellent as a low-maintenance, small shade tree for residential lawns, particularly on smaller properties, it is especially appropriate near patios and terraces or grouped together on larger properties so the fragrance can be appreciated!
It is great for “green space” uses, wildlife habitat, projects that require low or minimum water usage, soil erosion issues and conservation projects such as rain gardens and storm water run off areas. Once established, this beautiful native tree is tolerant of variable weather conditions including brief wet periods in spring and early summer and frequent dry periods common during the summer season. It has a good water "take up" ability as its water need pattern corresponds well with the seasonal moisture excesses and shortages.
An alternative for the ash tree (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), this member of the pea family (legumes) is a “nitrogen fixer” that is sometimes said to have an “ash tree look”. It does have the yellow fall color, the same basic rounded shape/ form and a similar pinnately compound leaf pattern. Most importantly, it is without emerald ash borer problems or any other major insect and disease problems!
When shopping for this addition to the landscape, a big tree isn’t necessary! Instead look for a young tree that has at least a few clusters of the sweetly fragrant "wisteria like" flowers or the developing seed pods, indicating it is mature enough to produce flowers. Trees are relatively fast growing and the easiest to transplant when young. Growth slows naturally with maturity. Trees with the evidence of buds, flowers or seed pods are usually already more than 8 years old!
Although the flowers are typically white, new selections are now being introduced with a soft pink coloration to the petals. Like many flowering and fruiting trees, the most profuse blooming occurs in alternating years. Thin, beige- brown seed pods are present primarily in September-October. They are not usually considered a messy problems as they are not a significant contributor to fall clean up.
Both Cladrastis lutea and Cladrastis kentuckea are synonymous for this American beauty. The common name “yellowwood” refers to the distinctively color of the heartwood. This Missouri native naturally occurs in several southwestern counties near the White River and its tributaries. This tree is under planting tolerant of perennials and small shrubs, preferably at installation to avoid tree root damage.
Pruning is seldom needed, however if any trimming is done, wait till summer, after the flowering period has ended. It will bleed heavily if pruned in the winter or spring. The bark is beautiful and beech like, deserving focal point staging. Increase appreciation for true stuctural beauty by extending interest with the new solar uplightng for late evening enjoyment. this is a lovely native addition to the residential, commercial or municipal landscape.
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