Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea

$100⁶³ $120⁵⁶

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, and Drought resistant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Cladrastis kentukea
Height

30-45 ft
Width

40-45 ft
Growing Zones

4-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Yellow
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer
Fragrant

Yes

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Yellowwood thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop its signature pendulous white blooms. While it can handle light afternoon shade, too much shade results in a thinner canopy and significantly fewer flowers.
Soil: This tree prefers well drained, loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slightly raised mound to prevent "wet feet," as consistent drainage is vital for root health and preventing rot.

Watering Requirements

For the first two years, water your Yellowwood deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this tree is remarkably drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can lead to early leaf drop or scorched edges. Aim for a deep soak at the base rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

Always prune Yellowwood in the middle of summer because it is a "bleeder" that loses sap if cut in winter or spring. This tree blooms on old wood, so focus your efforts on removing crossing branches or narrow V shaped crotches to improve structural strength. Think of it like thinning out a crowded room; better airflow and light penetration through the center of the tree will lead to a more resilient, beautiful specimen.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this forces soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. Using a fertilizer with a higher middle number (phosphorus) every few years can help stimulate more consistent flowering cycles.

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Yellowwood That Will Add A Sparkle to Your Life

Green Foliage with Sparkling White Flowers
Yellow Fall Foliage
Smooth, Hardy Bark
Easy to Care for
Phenomenal Specimen, Shade Tree

This tall, upright, broad tree looks like absolute royalty with its rounded top that looks like a crown. The Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) stature will make you incredibly confident in your landscaping.

This medium-sized deciduous tree has a smooth bark with a full and sophisticated top of green foliage that turns yellow in the fall

The white, fragrant flowers profusely bloom and will make your Yellowwood sparkle day in and day out!

Give this tree the attention it deserves by planting in plain sight as a specimen tree in your yard. You will catch yourself drooling over the endless beauty it protrudes throughout seasons.

Yellowwood makes for a fabulous privacy screen by your patio or porch for you and your family to be able to enjoy your peace and quiet.

The roots of your Yellowwood will grow fairly deep, so give your tree some company by planting a variety of your favorite perennial plants under its stunning canopy.

Planting in full sun with rich well-drained soil will give your tree the ability to grow to its fullest potential of about 30 feet tall and 45 feet wide.

Spend every season with your drink of choice and favorite book under this marvelous shade tree! Order your very own Yellowwood today!

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications