Common Name: Yellow Wood

General Information

Cladrastis kentukea is a deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown; it usually grows 10 - 15 metres tall, exceptionally reaching 20 metres. The bole of larger trees can be up to 100cm in diameter[, ]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a dye and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-eastern N. America - Appalachian mountains, mainly in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Habitat

Woods in rich well-drained limestone soils, in river valleys, slopes, ridges and the borders of streams[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cladrastis kentukea is a very hardy plant when dormant, toleraing temperatures falling to -30°c or lower[]. In areas with mild winters, however, plants can be excited into early spring growth, and that growth is very susceptible to frost damage[].
Prefers a rich well-drained loamy soil in a very sunny position[, ]. Tolerates slightly acid to very alkaline soils[].
A very ornamental plant, valued especially for its display of intensely fragrant, wisteria-like flowers; there are some named varieties[, ].
Plants usually commence flowering when around 8 - 10 years.
This species often only flowers in alternate years in the wild[]. The flowers are produced most freely after a long hot summer[]. The flowers have a soft scent of vanilla[].
A slow-growing but moderately long-lived tree in the wild[].
The branches are brittle and can be broken off in strong winds[, ].
The plants contain a copious watery sap and can bleed profusely if they are pruned in winter or spring[, ]. Any pruning is best done in late summer[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is deep-rooting, allowing many other plants to succeed beneath its crown[].

Other Uses

A clear yellow dye is obtained from the heartwood and roots[, , ].

The wood is yellow when cut, but turns brown upon exposure. It is relatively heavy, very hard, strong, close grained, durable. It is not considered to be especially attractive, though it finishes smoothly and takes a beautiful polish[, , , , , ]. It weighs 39lb per cubic foot[]. It is used for implement handles, gunstocks etc[].
The wood is a good fuel[, ].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and then sown in a greenhouse in late winter[, , ]. Three months cold stratification at 5°c can reduce the germination time[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Root cuttings, 5 - 7cm long, December in a greenhouse. Good percentage[].