American Yellowwood
Cladrastis lutea
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
480 inches
Width
480 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived deciduous tree
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Seeds are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Cladrastis lutea is a medium-sized, deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, celebrated for its smooth, silver-gray bark resembling beech bark. It has a broad, rounded crown and large, pinnately compound leaves that turn a beautiful clear yellow in autumn. The tree's most spectacular feature is its stunning display of fragrant, wisteria-like white flower panicles that drip from the branches in late spring. Flowering can be exceptionally heavy, but often occurs in biennial cycles.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in full sun for best flowering.
- Plant in average, well-drained soil; it is tolerant of alkaline pH.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above grade.
- Backfill with native soil and water well to settle.
- Water regularly for the first year until the tree is established.
Pro Tip
Prune only in mid-summer after leaves have fully developed; winter or spring pruning causes excessive bleeding of sap, which can weaken the tree.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal flower production.
- Prune to encourage strong branch angles when the tree is young.
- Water during prolonged periods of drought.
- Appreciate its four-season appeal: flowers, foliage, fall color, and bark.
Don't
- Do not prune in late winter or spring.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet sites.
- Don't plant in deep shade, as it will not flower well.
- Avoid major pruning on mature trees, as this can damage their structure.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
American Yellowwood questions
What zones can American Yellowwood grow in?
American Yellowwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is American Yellowwood deer resistant?
Yes — American Yellowwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does American Yellowwood bloom?
American Yellowwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does American Yellowwood need full sun?
American Yellowwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is American Yellowwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), American Yellowwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow American Yellowwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
