• Pickup at nursery
Cladrastis kentukea - Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Cladrastis kentukea - Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Kentucky yellowwood
  • Kentucky yellowwood (auteur : Frank Vincentz - licence : https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode.fr)
  • Kentucky yellowwood (auteur : Elektryczne jabłko - license : https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode.fr)

Kentucky yellowwood - Cladrastis kentukea

Cladrastis kentukea

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Cladrastis kentukea or Kentucky yellowwood flowers from May to June in white fragrant and honey-like clusters, reminiscent of those of wisteria or laburnum

No delivery available for this item. Only available for collection at the nursery after ordering.

Description

Height at maturity 8 - 10 m
Spread at maturity 5 - 8 m
Exposure sun
Flowering period May - June
Hardiness -20°C
Origin Kentucky

Kentucky yellowwood - American Yellowwood – Cladrastis kentukea

Origin and Characteristics

Cladrastis kentukea, commonly known as American Yellowwood, originates from the southeastern United States, particularly Kentucky, and belongs to the Fabaceae family.
Still rarely cultivated, it is prized for its spectacular flowering and brilliant autumn foliage.

Description and Features

Mature height: 8 to 10 meters
Mature width: 5 to 8 meters
Growth habit: Spreading, slightly wide, often multi-stemmed
Foliage: Deciduous; large, light green compound leaves, turning golden yellow to orange in autumn
Flowering period: May to June
Flower description: Hanging clusters of white butterfly-shaped flowers, vanilla-scented, very bee-friendly
Fruit description: Flat, slender pods, typical of the Fabaceae family
Hardiness: Very good (down to -20 °C)

Location and Soil

Preferred exposure: Full sun

Ideal soil: Fertile, moist and well-drained
Tolerance: Sensitive to heavy and poorly drained soils; prefers deep, light soils

Planting

Best planting time

Autumn or early spring

Soil preparation

Deeply loosen the soil and enrich with compost or potting soil

Spacing

Plant as a specimen tree; allow at least 8 to 10 meters of space around the mature tree

Watering

Water needs at planting

Regular watering during the first year to ensure proper root development

Watering when established

Moderate; water during extended dry periods

Pruning

When to prune

Avoid pruning unless necessary; light pruning in late winter

Pruning advice

  • Remove dead or poorly placed branches

  • Maintain its naturally elegant silhouette

  • Heavy pruning discouraged, as Cladrastis heals poorly

Propagation

Possible methods

Seed propagation (slow to germinate), semi-hardwood cuttings are difficult

Garden Uses

Ideal location

As a specimen tree in lawns, large gardens, or landscape designs

Recommended companion plants

Disease Resistance

Potential issues

Generally resilient; monitor for canker after injury

Natural prevention

Well-drained soil, avoid heavy pruning

Growth Tips

  • Choose a sunny, open, and well-aerated location

  • Loosen soil deeply before planting

  • Water regularly during the first two years

  • Mulch to retain soil moisture

  • Limit pruning to preserve its natural architecture

Caractéristiques

  • Common name : Kentucky yellowwood - American yellowwood
  • Family : Fabaceae
  • Category : tree
  • Spread : 5 - 8 m
  • Foliage : deciduous
  • Color of flowers : white
  • Use : isolated - shrubbery
  • Soil : rich and well-drained
  • Habit : Spreading
  • Earth to use : universal potting soil/garden soil/compost
  • Enemies : nothing to report
  • Possible diseases : resistant to diseases

Shipping & delivery

How does the delivery work?

  • Step 1 As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
  • Step 2 Each order is processed individually.
  • Step 3 Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
  • Step 4 Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
  • Step 5 Packages are ready to be shipped.

Nos méthodes de livraison

Expédition de nos plantes dans toute l'Europe (sauf en outre mer et les îles).

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