Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

Also known as: Kentucky yellowwood, American yellowwood

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is a tree native to the southeastern United States. It features striking bright yellow foliage. Pruning should be done during the summer to prevent the tree from bleeding, which can occur if pruned in the spring. Regular pruning is essential to maintain its structure, as neglecting this can cause the tree to deteriorate over time.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Yellowwood

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

9 m to 14 m

Spread

12 m to 15 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Yellowwood

Quickly Identify Yellowwood

Pendulous clusters of fragrant white blooms in 12-inch (30 cm) panicles

Smooth gray bark with pebbly texture as it ages

2.5-4 inch (6.35-10.16 cm) flat, yellow-brown seed pods in July-August

Pinnately compound leaves with 7-9 ovate to elliptic leaflets

Light gray or brown twigs with scattered white lenticels for gas exchange

Scientific Classification of Yellowwood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Yellowwoods

Species

Yellowwood

Planting and Growing of Yellowwood

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Yellowwood?

Cladrastis kentukea requires about 800 milliliters of water per watering session. The water should be enough to moisten the soil deeply, ensuring that it reaches the root zone. The watering approach should be thorough but infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Yellowwood? ›

What should I do if my Yellowwood is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Yellowwood? ›

How to save an overwatered Yellowwood? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Yellowwood?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun, with 4 to 6 hours of light, supports optimal growth. Ideal lighting ensures rich green foliage, robust branching, and prolific flowering. This light range fosters a resilient Cladrastis kentukea, well-suited to both ornamental and ecological purposes.

What are its ideal lighting conditions? ›

How can you ensure it gets the ideal light? ›

Benefits of ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Yellowwood?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Cladrastis kentukea, commonly known as American Yellowwood, is between 60°F and 75°F. This range is optimal for maintaining healthy growth and development. It is important to regulate temperatures within this range to ensure the plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and transpiration, operate effectively. Maintaining a stable climate within these temperatures will help encourage vibrant foliage and prolific flowering in your Cladrastis kentukea.

What Soil is Best for Yellowwood?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cladrastis kentukea thrives in well-drained soil. Good drainage is crucial as it prevents water from pooling around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot and enhancing growth. This plant benefits from moderately fertile soil. Adequate nutrients in the soil support robust growth and vibrant foliage, ensuring the plant maintains its health and vigor. Consistent soil moisture is ideal for Cladrastis kentukea. Maintaining slight moisture helps the plant develop a strong root system without causing stress from drought.

How to Fertilize Yellowwood?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Cladrastis kentukea, it is vital to adhere to a balanced approach. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at a dilution of half strength to avoid overwhelming the plant's root system. Use approximately 1 liter per young tree, gradually increasing to 2 liters as the tree matures.

How to Prune Yellowwood?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start pruning in early spring before the growth spurt. Focus on shaping the tree to develop a strong central leader. Remove any crossing or inward-growing branches to promote an open center, allowing sunlight to penetrate more effectively. During the summer, monitor the Cladrastis kentukea for vertical shoots that may disrupt its balanced appearance. Trim these back lightly to encourage lateral growth, maintaining a manageable height and preventing top-heaviness. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Yellowwood plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Cladrastis kentukea seeds require a stratification period to break dormancy. Place seeds in moist sand or sphagnum moss inside a plastic bag and refrigerate for 60 to 90 days to simulate winter conditions.

Select healthy wood from the plant for cutting propagation. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut a 6-8 inch section just below a node, ensuring each cutting has several leaves.

Grafting involves joining two plants to grow as one. Use whip or cleft grafting methods, ensuring the cambium layers of both scion and rootstock are aligned for successful fusion.

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How to Repot Yellowwood plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 3-4 years

Cladrastis kentukea shows its need for repotting when its roots start to emerge from the drainage holes or when the growth becomes stunted. Observing these signs often during the growth periods will help determine the perfect timing. Typically, this happens every 3 to 4 years.

Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, with excellent drainage capability. A pot made of breathable material like terracotta is ideal, as it allows excess moisture to evaporate, preventing root rot which can harm Cladrastis kentukea.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil mix that balances moisture retention and drainage. This type of soil provides the necessary nutrition while ensuring that excess water quickly drains away, preventing waterlogging and fostering healthy root development in Cladrastis kentukea.

Toxicity of Yellowwood

Is Yellowwood toxic to cat?

Yellowwood, categorized with a moderate toxicity level, presents a genuine risk to the health of cats. All parts of this plant contain toxic substances, meaning any ingestion can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of distress or illness may manifest in cats after consuming yellowwood, with varying degrees of severity. Cat owners must remain vigilant for any health changes in their pets and should swiftly consult a veterinarian to effectively address the potential health risks.

Is Yellowwood toxic to dog?

Yellowwood is recognized as possessing moderate toxicity for dogs. Should a dog ingest any component of this plant, they may be exposed to its toxic effects, as all parts of yellowwood are deemed harmful. Following ingestion, dogs may display a variety of symptoms that suggest poisoning. It is essential for dog owners to observe their pets closely and be vigilant for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more serious clinical manifestations based on the quantity consumed. If a dog has ingested yellowwood, it is vital to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee the best possible recuperation for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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