Municipality Of Princeton: August 2021 - American Yellowwood

Press release from the Municipality of Princeton:

August 1, 2021

August 2021 - American Yellowwood

Common Name: American Yellowwood

Botanical Name: Cladrastis kentukea

Native Range: South, Midwest, Northeast

Height: 30’-50’

Spread: 40’-50’

Growth Rate: 9’-12’over an 8-10 year period. Will grow faster with adequate water and fertilizer.

Sun: Full Sun to part shade

Leaf Description: Alternate, odd-pinnately compound leaflets with the entire leaf 8-12 inches long. The stem is slender, smooth and bright reddish brown.

Fall Color: The leaf opens as bright yellow/green changing to bright green in the height of summer. Fall color ranges from yellow to golden yellow.

Fall Color:

Flower Timing: Late May to early June

Flower Description: White fragrant flowers are 8 to 14 inches long, bees are attracted to the nectar. Tends to produce the greatest number of flowers in alternate years.

Fruit: The fruit is a flat legume containing hard coated seeds.

Bark Description: Thin and gray to light brown retaining color as the tree ages. The bark is smooth and beech -like in texture and appearance.

Wildlife Benefit: Pollinators such as bees are attracted to the flower nectar.

Tolerates: Tolerates both high pH and acid soils as well as full sun.

Possible Insects: None serious

Possible Disease: Very few problems are found in this tree although verticillium wilt has been seen in one arboretum.

Uses: Considered an excellent tree for its flowers and foliage. Yellowwood’s medium height and spreading patterns are considered assets as a shade tree for smaller landscapes. The tree’s foliage, bark and flowering pattern enhance its landscape presence.

Where to be found on municipal property: Mature specimen in Marquand Park adjacent to the weeping hemlock, 2 newly planted specimens on Aiken Ave walking towards the Harrison Street Park entrance.

Additional Facts:

Resources:

Printable Info Sheet (PDF)

Phone: 609-924-4141

This press release was produced by the Municipality of Princeton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.