Yellowwood is a medium- to large-sized tree, 30 to 50 feet high, with smooth bark, large hanging clusters of fragrant white flowers, and clear yellow fall color.
Choose a yellowwood tree for excellent shade in a small to medium sized landscape.
Note that the branches of the yellowwood are highly susceptible to ice storm damage.
It was formerly known as Cladrastis lutea.
- Family (English) Pea
- Family (botanic) Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae)
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 30-50 feet
- Mature width 40-55 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest late spring, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Round
- Growth rate Moderate
- Transplants well No
- Planting considerations Highly susceptible to ice damage, May be difficult to find in nurseries, Weak wood and branch structure
- Has cultivars Yes
