American Yellowwood

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(3+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

30-50 Feet

Mature Spread

30-40 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) reveals a graceful presence through its smooth gray bark, warm golden fall leaves, and drooping clusters of sweetly scented white blooms in late spring. Each flower panicle can reach 8–14 inches in length, creating a showy wisteria-like effect, on a moderate-sized tree suitable for smaller yards. Its broad, rounded canopy becomes even more striking in autumn, when the foliage takes on brilliant hues of yellow and sometimes orange. This legume-family tree also produces small, ornamental seed pods. It is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, and can also provide nesting habitats for birds, blending beauty and wildlife value.

American Yellowwood stands out for its resilience, tolerating moderately dry sites once established and handling a variety of soil pH levels, including some alkalinity. It is native to eastern and central North America, where it thrives in well-draining, rich soils along river valleys and slopes. It stays under 50 feet tall and can serve as a graceful shade provider, focal specimen, or a grouping in woodland edges. Low branching and a deep root system allow a range of shade-loving plants to flourish underneath, giving Yellowwood a unique advantage over less accommodating species.

American Yellowwood Care

American Yellowwood prefers a location with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight, though it tolerates partial shade in hotter zones. Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and avoid cramped or poorly drained areas where roots may struggle. Water regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system; once settled, this tree copes with short dry spells. An all-purpose, balanced fertilizer in early spring can help younger trees develop more vigorous foliage and blooming. Add mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce fluctuations in soil temperature, particularly helpful in cooler or drought-prone regions.

Pruning is usually minimal. If shaping is needed, concentrate on thinning weak or inward-growing limbs to maintain a balanced structure—ideally done in late spring or early summer to avoid excessive sap flow. Container growth is possible, but less common since Yellowwood develops a deep root system and may become root-bound over time. For container culture, monitor watering closely and consider root-pruning every few years if you wish to maintain it at a smaller size.

American Yellowwood Spacing

For a row or living screen, allow 20 to 30 feet between trees so their canopies can merge gracefully without overcrowding. As a single specimen or in mixed plantings, provide at least 30 feet of open space to highlight its elegant branching and drooping flower clusters. In a large container, start with a pot diameter of at least 24 inches, upgrading to a wider pot as the root mass expands. This spacing encourages healthy growth and the striking seasonal display for which American Yellowwood is known.

Photo(s) by ??????

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by