Cladrastis kentukea

Excellent medium sized tree (30-50') known for its wonderful wisteria-like pendulous clusters of intensely-fragrant bright-white flowers in early summer. Pinnate compound leaves emerge pale-green in spring and deepen to dark-green before turning to their fine yellow fall color. This Southeast United States native gets its name from the distinct yellow dye that colors its heartwood. S/M

Native to SE US, the Yellowwood is a deciduous tree with lush, pinnately compound leaves of bright green, yellow in fall. In 8-10 years you'll be rewarded with wonderfully fragrant long white panicles in spring that cover the tree like so much wisteria. A legume, the flowers will be followed by entertaining long, flat, brown seed pods that make for an exotic look. Round crown, typically 30-50' tall, 40-55' wide - a terrific shade tree!Minimum temperature: -30°F

Uncommon in cultivation and considered by many to be the foremost American flowering tree, this southeastern U.S. denizen forges a graceful broad rounded crown of delicate low sweeping limbs that create dense shade. The dramatic framework becomes a dignified focal point with smooth pewter-colored bark and prominent flat brown seed pods on sinewy luminous branches. Delightfully fragrant, pendulous, long creamy white Wisteria-style panicles luxuriate against pinnately compound, rich green foliage defined by 7 to 9 deciduous leaflets, donning silky gray hairs when young and bright butter yellow hues in autumn. Pest free and drought tolerant, practically indestructible Yellowood detests wet feet, favors well-drained loam, yields a yellow dye and supports beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Grows moderately. Large Band.

Still uncommon in cultivation, this is an exceptional ornamental tree. Like Wisteria, it is most noted for its drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers, touched with yellow in the center. Introduced into cultivation by Andr? Michaux in 1796, its roots were chipped and boiled to yield a yellow dye for homespun fabrics before synthetic dyes became available. Adapted across a wide range of soil pH, it prefers a reasonably moist, yet well-drained soil with full sun and space to grow.

Fragrant, white, wisteria-like blossoms late spring, yellow fall color. Smooth gray bark Zones 4-8.