American Yellowwood
cladrastis kentukea
Also known as: ["Yellowwood","American Yellowwood"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, known for its fragrant white flowers and smooth, gray bark.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Cladrastis |
| Botanical Name: | Cladrastis kentukea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–29 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to moderately draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years for mature trees.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to avoid leaf scorch. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers temperate climates with cold winters and moderate summers. Ideal range: 60–75°F (15–24°C) during growth.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; monitor soil temperature for root health.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization, which can harm roots; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in autumn. Grafting is less common but possible for specific cultivars.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cuttings: Take 4–6 inch cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity. Seeds: Stratify, sow shallowly, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Softwood cuttings: early summer; seeds: autumn after collection.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light for cuttings. Seeds require stratification for germination.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots; seeds: 1–2 years for flowering-sized plants.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture for seeds; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, removal of crossing/rubbing stems, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Light pruning after flowering is ideal.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts just above buds/branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for young plants; mature trees may stay in the same pot with root pruning.
Method
Remove plant carefully, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot young plants every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth. Mature trees may not need frequent repotting if root-bound is not an issue.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if needed; water well after repotting; provide shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly and deeply to ensure penetration to the root ball, allowing excess to drain away. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. Incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; yellowing or stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback of young growth and delay flowering. Prolonged freezing can damage roots if soil is not insulated.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter to insulate roots. Plant in a sheltered location to avoid harsh winds and extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering. Heat stress may cause premature leaf drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply during heatwaves to keep roots cool. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Apply fertilizer in spring; use balanced formula; water after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote weak growth. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCladrastis kentukea is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not appear to pose a risk to feline health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicThere are no documented cases of toxicity in dogs from Cladrastis kentukea. The plant is not known to pose a risk to canine health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCladrastis kentukea, commonly known as American yellowwood, is not known to have significant toxic effects on humans. The plant is generally considered safe for human contact and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cladrastis kentukea have any medicinal uses?
A: No, it is primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
Q: How tall does the American Yellowwood grow?
A: It typically reaches 30–50 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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