Cladrastis kentukea, Yellowwood



Size: tree, 30-50' average height at maturity

Buds: absent terminal, golden, silky hairs, several superposed very close together resembling a single bud, project above leaf scar

Leaves: deciduous, alternate, 8-12" long, pinately compound, each leaflet 2-3" elliptic to ovate, acute tip, terminal leaflet is largest, margins entire, bright green in summer, yellow in fall

Twigs: somewhat zigzagging, bright red-brown, leaf scars almost white and nearly surrounding bud

Flowers: monoescious, fragrant white, in panicles up to 14", each flower up to 1.25", bloom May to early June

Fruit: semipersistent legume

Bark: light gray, smooth