Contents
Description
Cladrastis Kentukea is a deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is commonly known as American Yellowwood or simply Yellowwood. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a rounded crown that spreads up to 40 feet wide. The tree produces showy yellow flowers in the summer that are fragrant and attractive to bees and other pollinators. The leaves are pinnately compound and green in color, turning yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Cladrastis |
Appearance
The bark of Cladrastis Kentukea is smooth and gray, becoming slightly furrowed with age. The tree produces clusters of fragrant, yellowish-white flowers in the late spring or early summer. The flowers are about 1 inch long and are borne on 6 to 8 inch long panicles. The compound leaves are 8 to 12 inches long with 7 to 11 leaflets that are elliptic to ovate in shape. The leaflets are 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow.
Care Guide
Cladrastis Kentukea prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring, but it is not necessary. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cladrastis Kentukea is generally free of major pest and disease problems. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, canker, and root rot. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the tree.
Habitat
Cladrastis Kentukea is native to the southeastern United States, including areas of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Cladrastis Kentukea grow?
A: Cladrastis Kentukea can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Q: When does Cladrastis Kentukea bloom?
A: Cladrastis Kentukea blooms in late spring or early summer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cladrastis Kentukea?
A: Cladrastis Kentukea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Q: Is Cladrastis Kentukea susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: Cladrastis Kentukea is generally free of major pest and disease problems, but it may be susceptible to leaf spot, canker, and root rot.
Related Plants
- Cladrastis lutea
- Cladrastis sinensis
- Cladrastis kentukea f. monophylla
- Cladrastis platycarpa
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- USDA Plants Database: Cladrastis kentukea
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Cladrastis kentukea
