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Description
If you’re looking for a unique and rare tree to add to your garden, consider the Cladrastis Platycarpa. This deciduous tree is known for its stunning yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It is also commonly called the yellowwood tree because of its yellow-colored heartwood.The Cladrastis Platycarpa is native to China and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 50 feet in height and 30 feet in width. Its leaves are pinnately compound and can have up to 15 leaflets. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Cladrastis |
Appearance
In addition to its beautiful yellow flowers, the Cladrastis Platycarpa has a unique appearance. Its leaves are a bright green color in the spring and summer, turning yellow in the fall. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, and its heartwood is a beautiful, rich yellow color.The Cladrastis Platycarpa can grow up to 50 feet in height and 30 feet in width, with a rounded crown. Its leaves are pinnately compound and can have up to 15 leaflets. The tree’s flowers are yellow and can grow up to 1 inch in length.
Care Guide
If you want to grow a Cladrastis Platycarpa, here are some tips to help you care for it:- Water: The Cladrastis Platycarpa prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Be sure to water it deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The Cladrastis Platycarpa prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.- Sunlight: The Cladrastis Platycarpa prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cladrastis Platycarpa is generally a healthy tree with few pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-drained. It may also be susceptible to cankers and leaf spots, but these are not usually serious.
Habitat
The Cladrastis Platycarpa is native to China, where it grows in forests and along riverbanks. In the United States, it is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cladrastis Platycarpa a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the Cladrastis Platycarpa is a slow-growing tree.
Q: How often should I water my Cladrastis Platycarpa?
A: Water your tree deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.
Q: What is the tree’s hardiness zone?
A: The Cladrastis Platycarpa is hardy in zones 5-8.
Q: What is the tree’s native habitat?
A: The Cladrastis Platycarpa is native to China, where it grows in forests and along riverbanks.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to the Cladrastis Platycarpa:- Cladrastis kentukea (American Yellowwood)- Cladrastis lutea (Yellowwood)- Laburnum anagyroides (Golden Chain Tree)
References
– “Cladrastis platycarpa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282920.- “Cladrastis platycarpa.” Plant Database. Accessed September 7, 2021. http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Cladrastis_platycarpa_page.html.- “Yellowwood Tree.” Gardening Know How. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/yellowwood/yellowwood-tree.htm.
