Yellowwood (Cladrastris kentukea)

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Quick Facts

  • Native to the Southeastern United States
  • Rare species in the wild
  • Heartwood used by dye makers

About

Yellowwood is a deciduous tree that grows to 30-50' tall.  Pinnately compound leaves comprised of 7-11 leaflets shine of bright green in summer, and yellow in fall. The petiole covers the bud of the tree. Yellowwood may not flower for the first 8-10 years. Fragrant, white flowers in large, drooping, panicles 10-15" long cover a mature tree in late spring and later turn to  flat, brown seed pods 2 ½ -4 inches long which mature in autumn. The wood of this species has a distinct light yellow color. Yellowwood is a deciduous tree that grows to 30-50' tall. Pinnately compound leaves comprised of 7-11 leaflets shine of bright green in summer, and yellow in fall. The petiole covers the bud of the tree. Yellowwood may not flower for the first 8-10 years. Fragrant, white flowers in large, drooping, panicles 10-15" long cover a mature tree in late spring and later turn to  flat, brown seed pods 2 ½ -4 inches long which mature in autumn. The wood of this species has a distinct light yellow color.

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