Yellowood

Introduced from its native South Eastern USA in 1812, Cladrastis kentukea, or Yellowood, was awarded the Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1926.

In June, fragrant white flowers are produced in drooping panicles like a Wisteria. Compound alternate leaflets can accumulate up to 25cm in length on one stalk. Flowering can be hit-and-miss rather than consistent every year and is usually seen only on mature specimens.

It grows on most well-drained soils, including acid and alkaline, but it is better to prune, if needed, in the summer as the wounds tend to weep if pruned in the winter or spring. This makes a good urban tree or parkland / large garden specimen.

Brown seed pods are produced in the autumn of a flowering year.

Mature height: 7-12m

Common names

Yellowood

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Broad

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Garden, Parkland