Key Facts
- Deciduous small to medium ornamental tree.
- Native to the southeastern United States.
- Showy fragrant white pea like flower clusters in spring.
- Compound pinnate leaves that turn yellow in fall.
- Prefers rich well drained soils and dislikes prolonged wet feet.
- Performs best in full sun to part shade.
- Usually grown as a specimen tree in landscapes.
Yellowwood is a deciduous ornamental prized for fragrant white spring flowers and attractive pinnate foliage. It performs best as a single specimen in a lawn or mixed border where well drained soil and some sun are available.
Identification
Small to medium deciduous tree with compound pinnate leaves that turn yellow in fall. In spring it produces showy fragrant white pea like racemes. Native to the southeastern United States it typically reaches 30 to 50 feet tall with a broad rounded crown 25 to 35 feet wide.
Best uses and where to grow
Usually grown as a specimen tree in landscapes where a mid sized shade or focal tree is needed. Plant in full sun to part shade for best form and flowering. Suitable for USDA zones 4 to 8 though performance varies with climate; colder sites slow establishment and very warm climates can reduce bloom.
Planting and spacing
Place trees so their mature spread of 25 to 35 feet is allowed. Set the root flare at or slightly above the finished soil surface and backfill with native soil; avoid planting too deep. Plant in spring or fall to give roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold.
Soil and watering
Prefers rich, well drained loam to clay loam and a slightly acidic to neutral pH about 5.5 to 7.0. Dislikes prolonged wet feet so poor drainage leads to decline and root problems. Water regularly during establishment and reduce frequency once roots are established to avoid waterlogged conditions.
After flowering and pruning
After bloom remove dead wood and thin crowded branches to maintain a balanced form. Light structural pruning is best rather than heavy cutting that removes flowering wood. Avoid leaving stubs and make clean cuts to preserve tree health and future bloom displays.
Propagation and maintenance
Reproduce from seed for seedlings; grafting or budding is commonly used for named cultivars. Layering or cuttings have variable success. Provide moderate supplemental fertility on poor sites and mulch to conserve moisture while keeping mulch away from the trunk base.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Yellowwood grow?
- Growth is moderate. It can take many years to reach the typical mature height of 30 to 50 feet and tends to establish more slowly in colder parts of its hardiness range.
- Where should I plant Yellowwood?
- Plant as a specimen in full sun to light shade on well drained fertile soil. Allow room for a mature spread of about 25 to 35 feet.
- How big does Yellowwood get?
- Mature trees are commonly 30 to 50 feet tall with a crown spread around 25 to 35 feet depending on site conditions.
- When does Yellowwood bloom?
- Blooms in spring, typically April to May in the Northern Hemisphere, with fragrant white racemes that attract attention at leaf out.
- Is Yellowwood toxic to pets or people?
- Authoritative toxicology listings were not found during drafting. Confirm safety for pets and children with a poison control center or an authoritative database before assuming the tree is non toxic.
- How is Yellowwood propagated?
- Commonly by seed; named cultivars are usually propagated by grafting or budding. Vegetative methods such as layering or cuttings are possible but success varies.
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