Cladrastis kentukea
Yellow wood, Kentucky yellow wood, American Yellow wood, Virgilia
Also known as Cladrastis lutea
- Height × spread
- 10m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This beautiful tree has fragrant pendulous flowering panicles of white flowers in June. The flowers are similar to those of a wisteria. The large leaves turn rich yellow in autumn and there are also long, plump, yellowish green seedpods. The tree does not start to flower for some years. The branches of mature trees can be brittle so it is best not sited in places exposed to the wind. The bark was once boiled to extract yellow dye that was used to colour cloth. The wood itself, very light and strong, was often used by American settlers to make gunstocks.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune during dormancy
While dormant, prune the plant to keep it attractive and healthy by removing dead branches, removing branches that cross or rub each other and those which spoil its appearance.
The plant is encouraged to develop a pleasing shape by removing deviant or dead growth. It is much more likely to remain healthy if branches that rub, or can rub each other are removed, since the rubbed spots can be places where disease is introduced.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.