Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea 'Perkins Pink')

Overview

Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ offers gardeners a spectacular, yet uncommon, alternative to the standard white-flowering Yellowwood. This medium-sized deciduous tree develops an attractive broad, rounded crown supported by upright branching, making it an excellent specimen for residential properties. Its primary appeal lies in the intensely fragrant, wisteria-like blooms that emerge in late spring, showcasing a beautiful pink hue in this specific cultivar.

The American yellowwood is prized for its low maintenance needs once established, thriving easily in average soils receiving full sun. While the standard species is native to the southeastern U.S., the performance of Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ has made it a sought-after flowering tree across many temperate regions. Gardeners should appreciate the seasonal interest provided by its yellow fall foliage and ornamental seed pods following the spring flowering display.

This cultivar requires minimal intervention once sited correctly, contributing shade and formal structure without demanding excessive care. Enjoying a manageable mature size of 30 to 50 feet tall and wide, the Yellowwood provides significant presence suitable for smaller estates or large lawns where a majestic flowering canopy is desired.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Fabaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 30-50 ft
  • Spread: 30-50 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the Yellowwood is best achieved when the tree is dormant, either in early spring or fall, ensuring it establishes a strong root system before extreme weather hits. Site Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ in a location receiving full sun for optimal bloom production. The soil should be medium moisture and, crucially, well-drained.

Once established, this tree only requires medium supplemental water during extended dry periods, as it tolerates some drought. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the initial site conditions are adequate. The most critical cultural consideration involves pruning; cuts made during late winter or early spring cause sap bleeding, so prune only in the summer after the growth spurt has finished.

Protection from high winds is advisable, as the wood can be somewhat brittle, making it vulnerable to storm damage. Additionally, protect the bark from sun scald, especially on young specimens, by siting it carefully or using protective wrappings on the trunk’s south/west side.

Landscape Uses

The aesthetic value of Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ makes it an excellent choice for use as a specimen shade tree in residential lawns. Its moderate height and spread mean it fits well near patios or terraces, offering dappled shade without overwhelming a modest property. Gardeners seeking a flowering tree that transitions beautifully into fall color will benefit from this selection.

Due to its deep root system, the Yellowwood functions effectively as a flowering element planted over lawns; you can easily grow other plants underneath without major root competition near the surface. Use this unique pink-flowered cultivar as a focal point or group several together on larger properties to create a magnificent, scented spring display. Its formal, rounded shape also lends itself well to being planted near walkways or flanking entryways where its structure can be appreciated year-round.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant
• Good Cut

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cladrastis kentukea, commonly called American yellowwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the legume family that typically grows 30-50’ tall with upright branching and a broad, rounded crown. It is noted for its pinnately compound foliage, panicles of fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. The species is native to the southeastern U.S. In Missouri, it typically occurs in several southwestern counties near the White River and its tributaries. Pinnately compound leaves (usually with 7-11 leaflets) open as yellowish green, turn bright green in summer and then turn yellow in fall. Intensely fragrant, wisteria-like, white flowers in large, drooping, terminal panicles (10-15” long) will cover a mature tree in late spring. Profuse bloom may occur only once every 2 or 3 years however. New trees may not bloom for the first 8-10 years. Bloom is similar in appearance to that of black locust (Robinia). Flowers give way to flat seed pods (2.5-4” long) that mature in September-October. Species was formerly called Cladrastus lutea.Genus name comes from the Greek klados meaning branch and thraustos meaning fragile for the brittle twigs.Specific epithet means of Kentucky.The wood of this tree contains a yellow dye that distinctively colors the heartwood and gives rise to the common name of yellowwood.‘Perkins Pink’ (synonymous with ‘Rosea’) is an uncommon pink-flowered cultivar that was originally discovered in the 1930s at the Perkins Institute for the Blind, Watertown, Massachusetts.

Tolerances

• Susceptible to sun scald on bark
• Bloom may be damaged by late spring frosts

Potential Problems

Potential issues for Yellowwood primarily relate to timing and environmental exposure. Verticillium wilt is a known fungal threat that can affect the tree, though healthy specimens often resist severe infection. Be diligent about pruning schedules; improper timing in late winter or spring results in significant sap bleeding, which can weaken the tree unnecessarily.

Structural vulnerability is another factor to monitor. The branching structure of Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ is susceptible to breakage from heavy winter snow, ice loads, or high winds. Furthermore, young trees may experience sun scald on the bark, necessitating protective measures during the first few years. Remember that while bloom is spectacular, reliable yearly flowering is not guaranteed; mature trees may skip a season entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Yellowwood suitable for?

This specimen, Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’, thrives best within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Yellowwood grow?

Mature height typically ranges between 30 to 50 feet, with a comparable spread, forming a broad, rounded canopy.

What sun exposure does Yellowwood need?

For the best flowering performance and overall health, ensure your Yellowwood receives full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Yellowwood bloom?

The fragrant flowers of the Yellowwood appear reliably, weather permitting, from May through June, presenting a lovely pink color on the ‘Perkins Pink’ cultivar.

Conclusion

The introduction of pink blooms sets Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ apart as a valuable, low-maintenance ornamental tree perfect for adding structure and fragrance to the landscape. Combining excellent form with seasonal color, this Yellowwood cultivar is a long-term investment in garden beauty. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility and plan your summer pruning schedule carefully to ensure your tree thrives for decades.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For successful cultivation of Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’, aligning care with the seasonal calendar is essential. Focus on summer pruning to avoid the excessive bleeding caused by late winter or spring cuts on this Yellowwood. This is the ideal time to shape the canopy or remove damaged limbs without stressing the tree.

Late spring is when you anticipate the bloom, so monitor forecasts for late frosts. If a hard freeze is predicted just before the panicles fully emerge, the flower buds may be damaged, resulting in no flowers that year. Watering should be adequate throughout the growing season, ensuring medium moisture availability, especially during establishment.

Winter care focuses on physical protection rather than active maintenance. Inspect the tree for weak or crossing branches that could accumulate ice or snow, and address these proactively if possible, bearing in mind the inherent brittleness of the wood. Protect the trunk base from both animal damage and sun scald during clear, cold days.

Companion Planting

Because the Yellowwood develops an extensive, deep root system, it creates less surface competition for neighboring plants compared to many shallow-rooted shade trees. This quality makes Cladrastis kentukea ‘Perkins Pink’ an excellent anchor specimen for planting above groundcovers or low-growing perennials that prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight.

Consider pairing the Yellowwood with shade-tolerant acid-loving shrubs like Rhododendrons or Azaleas at the drip line, as they tolerate the filtered light beneath the canopy. Below the tree, hostas and ferns are excellent choices, as they thrive in the consistent moisture and filtered light conditions created by the mature tree canopy, appreciating the deep roots that don’t heavily compete with surface feeders.