Cladrastis kentukea

Common Name: American Yellowwood

Still uncommon in cultivation, this is an exceptional ornamental tree. Like Wisteria, it is most noted for its drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers, touched with yellow in the center. Introduced into cultivation by André Michaux in 1796, its roots were chipped and boiled to yield a yellow dye for homespun fabrics before synthetic dyes became available. Adapted across a wide range of soil pH, it prefers a reasonably moist, yet well-drained soil with full sun and space to grow.