A mature American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Flowering tree · Shade tree · Meadow · Naturalized · Patio · Woodland · Childrens · Native

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

American Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea · Tree

American Yellowwood is a slow-growing tree, hardy in USDA zones 4-8, that matures to about 30–50 ft × 40–55 ft. It does best in full sun with medium water needs in well-drained and moist soil. Expect white blooms in spring. It attracts bees, pollinators and songbirds, stands up well to drought, dry soil and pests and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones: 4-8
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Mature size: 30–50 ft × 40–55 ft
Growth rate: Slow
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist
Bloom color: White
Bloom season: Spring
Attracts: Bees, Pollinators, Songbirds
Tough against: Drought, Dry soil, Pests, Pollution
Native to: North America

Will it survive your winters?

We score American Yellowwood’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8