// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Kentucky yellowwood

Cladrastis kentukea

Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–10a. Mature size 20'–50'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 20 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, GA, IL, IN…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–10a
Mature size: 20'–50'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) — *Cladrastis kentukea* — Kentucky yellowwood. Photo by செல்வா via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–10a. Mature size 20'–50'. Blooms Apr–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, kentucky yellowwood pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).