Cladrastis kentukea

Cladrastis kentukea, known as American yellowwood, is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the legume family, reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet with an upright branching structure and a broad, rounded canopy. It features pinnately compound leaves that emerge yellow-green, deepen to bright green in summer, and turn yellow in autumn. This native southeastern U.S. species is distinguished by its intensely fragrant, wisteria-like white flowers arranged in large, drooping terminal panicles, which bloom primarily every two to three years, often not until trees are 8 to 10 years old. The flowers transition to flat seed pods, 2.5 to 4 inches long, maturing from September to October. Formerly referred to as Cladrastus lutea, it