PlantFiles: American Yellowwood, Kentucky Yellowwood
Cladrastis lutea

There is a relatively large one that has been growing on grounds at the New York State Zoo in Watertown. Getting ready to bloom this year

American yellowwood is an excellent medium-size shade tree for the Ohio River valley and central US. The smooth gray bark is reminiscent of American beech; the arching vase-shaped habit mimics the much larger American elm; the pendulous fragrant white flower clusters could just as well hang from wisteria vines; and the fall colors in golden yellows hinting towards orange just glow in the setting sun. Oh, and it's a native, too.

The former national champion was at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH. The current national champion grows in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville KY. There are many fine specimens planted around this part of the country as well as locations where one might see yellowwood as part of the indigenous woodlands (Yellowwood State Forest in Indiana; the Palisades of the Kentucky River in KY's Bluegrass region). Anyone who lives with calcareous soils ought to have at least one to enjoy.

The grower of my pink-flowering Yellowwood had less than a 50 percent survival rate and only two survivors with pink flowers (see image). In my upstate NY garden it has done well in full sun with periodic watering during dry spells. It survived a late-winter cold snap while a nearby Davidea (Dove Tree) did not. I agree with others that any pruning must be done in summer or winter to avoid excessive fluid loss. The pendelous floral display against its green foliage and grey bark is well worth the two year wait!

I planted my Cladrastis last October. The new leaves this spring looked dandy until we had some late frosts in April, which damaged or outright killed just about all of them. I had a few scary weeks of watching the leaves turn brown and crispy, but now (mid-May) a new, 2nd set of leaves is starting to bud out.

Has blooms that look like wisteria that are white with yellow markings.Usually just blooms every other year.

Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune in summer only because cuts made in winter or spring tend to bleed considerably.