THE SCOTT ARBORETUM’s Garden Seeds

American Yellowwood

Sam Keitch May 20, 2010

It is dubious to make a claim that something is your favorite plant, but when someone asks me what my favorite native tree is, I can narrow it down to a few.  At the top of that short list is the American yellowwood, Cladrastis kentukea.  I have the tendency to point out a plant every five minutes and claim that it is my new favorite, so when I have a definitive answer, it is after great consideration. Without hesitation, I can say that the Yellowwood is my favorite native tree. Right now there are several large ones putting on a spectacular show at the Scott Arboretum.

The common name is self explanatory, as the vascular system produces yellow wood.  The range of the yellowwood is not a contiguous expanse as many trees of the Appalachia are, but consists of small endemic regions that are located sporadically from the southeastern United States into the Midwest.  The foliage is very handsome, with each compound leaf reaching about one foot long and consisting of leaflets that are roughly four inches each.  This is not only creates a stunning texture, but provides a nice backdrop for the graceful white inflorescences that resemble pendulous wisteria flowers.  The white flowers reach a foot in length and are typical of the pea family.  Currently they are falling all over the Terry Shane garden, creating the impression that there was a light dusting of snow overnight.  The foliage also turns a rich yellow in autumn, and the steel grey bark, much like a beech tree, carries the specie’s ornamental appeal well into the winter.

Personally, I think the versatility of the yellowwood may be its strongest attribute.  It can tolerate sun or shade, acidic or alkaline soil, and even compact or saturated conditions.  However, it will grow more slowly when it has to overcome adverse conditions.  Its optimum culture would include rich, well drained soil, with rapid growth being encouraged by shade.  An interesting yet unfortunate trait of the yellowwood is its likehood of splitting apart at the crotch of the tree.  After forty years or so, unpruned trees will eventually reach a threshold of pressure at their lower crotch, where all of the major limbs come together. In a tree’s juvenile period, leads may be thinned out in order to alleviate pressure to extend its life expectancy.

This is such a promising tree that I would recommend it to anyone looking for an addition to their property.  In fact, everyone should plant one.  Please come to the Scott Arboretum for inspiration!  Once you are here, you will see yellowwoods all over the arboretum, in all of their glory.  Large specimens can be found in near the Wister Center, the Nason Garden, and Parrish Hall.

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1. Christine B. May 20, 2010 at 12:20 pm

   I have a small one in my yard. It is rather unhappy in my climate and the new wood doesn’t ripen enough to be hardy over winter. So I have a three foot mini-tree that only sprouts from the old wood. I don’t suppose it will ever flower, either. For a mini-tree, it is lovely, with light yellow fall color and the trademark smooth gray bark.

   Christine in Alaska

2. Susan T May 28, 2011 at 5:28 pm

   I live in south Louisiana, and my son is in school in Hyde Park, NY. He sent me a lovely photo, asking, “Mom, what is this tree???” Of course, I’m not familiar with Zone 5 – 6 trees that aren’t hardy in Zone 8 – 9!! But I did a little research based on his great photos, and discovered he has an American Yellowwood blooming outside his apartment! I learned something today, thanks to your site!

3. Dawn G. July 8, 2011 at 6:04 pm

   I hear they only bloom well every few years. If I had more than one would they all bloom best in the same years or would each be on it’s own cycle?

4. Andrew Bunting July 12, 2011 at 7:38 am

   Each tree would be on its own cycle. It is true that they seem to bloom well every other year.

   Andrew Bunting, Curator

5. Brian Culver July 29, 2011 at 1:29 pm

   Where can you buy a American Yellowwood at?

6. Andrew Bunting August 2, 2011 at 7:45 am

   We will have it available at the Scott Arboretum plant sale on September 16-18.

   http://www.scottarboretum.org/plantsale/index.html

7. Lisa Weitzman August 15, 2011 at 4:15 pm

   My landscape architext suggested 1-32 of these on my property in the middle of a grove of old southern & copper beeches. I had to remove 3 beeches (I had 8 17 years ago—sadly down to 4) so these would have full sun but would be near a 200+ year old and a few younger (150-175+ yr olds) beeches. I would love to see this tree in person before I choose it. I live in Abington but grew up in Swarthmore (my Mother still lives there)….can you tell me approx where this is on the campus? Any thoughts where I may obtain this locally?

8. Lisa Weitzman August 15, 2011 at 4:47 pm

   All my questions were answered in the others’ posts! I would like to purchase it prior to September….Is that possible?

9. Andrew Bunting August 16, 2011 at 7:43 am

   Lisa,

   The plants won’t be available until the sale on September 16-18 at the Arboretum.

   Andrew

10. Suzy H. September 11, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    We just purchased an American Yellowwood at the Nursery. We live in Chicago, Illinois & I was wondering how this tree will do in our climate. Do you have any advise as to how best to nurture this tree ?

11. Andrew Bunting September 15, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Cladrastis kentukea is hardy to zone 4 so it should not be a problem growing it in the Chicago area.

    Andrew Bunting, Curator
    Scott Arboretum

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