Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

Medium-sized trees

• Maximum height
  40 feet
• Relative growth rate
  Poor
• Freedom from insect pests
  Excellent
• Freedom from disease problems
  Excellent
• Resistance to storm damage
  Good
• Will grow on poorly drained soil
  Poor
• Will grow in hot, dry areas
  Good
• Easy to transplant
  Poor
• Withstands city conditions
  Good

The most distinctive feature of the yellowwood is its pendulous clusters of white, fragrant, wisteria-like flowers. The tree may not bloom every year, but the clean foliage and rounded form of this tree would make it worthwhile to plant if it never bloomed. The yellowwood has no serious disease or insect problems.