Cladrastis kentukea aka Kentucky Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea, or American yellowwood, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from southern Illinois into the southeastern United States. The name yellowwood refers to its hard, heavy, yellow wood. Cherokee people used this wood for carvings and building work. The tree grows slowly and forms a broad, rounded crown.

Garden trees reach about 30–50 feet (9–15.2 metres) tall. Their spread can match their height. RHS gives a smaller height range of 26–39 feet (8–12 metres). Low branches help shape the wide crown. Young trunks have smooth, pale gray bark. Older bark develops a pebbled surface, which adds winter interest. Smooth twigs bear pale lenticels. Alternate, pinnate leaves have seven to nine leaflets with smooth edges. The leaves reach about 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 metres) long. Their light green color shifts to yellow, gold, or orange in fall.

White, scented, pea-shaped flowers hang in loose panicles. These clusters reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) long. Flowers appear in late spring and early summer. Records place bloom between April and June, depending on location. Heavy flowering may come only every two or three years. Flat seed pods follow the flowers and turn yellow-brown. They measure about 0.2–0.3 feet (0.06–0.1 metres) long. The pods show in summer and become brown in fall. Flowers supply nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Songbirds use the branches as nesting sites.

Grow yellowwood in full sun and soil that drains well. It also accepts partial shade, according to NC State. Fertile, moist garden soil suits it, though established trees withstand drought. It accepts sandy or loamy soil across acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Sources give USDA zones 4–8 and the UK rating H6. Choose shelter from cold winds, since its branches break easily. Deep roots make transplanting hard but leave room for plants beneath.

Yellowwood serves as a shade tree or a lone specimen. It also suits lawns, patios, and groups on larger sites. Pests and diseases seldom cause major trouble, but Verticillium wilt can occur. Wind, snow, and ice can damage weak branches. Late frost can harm flowers, and sunscald can injure bark. Poorly timed pruning can cause sap loss. The evidence does not establish edible uses or toxicity.