Class of 1945 tree, Cladrastis kentukea, in full stature. This species is native to the southeastern United States.

  • COMMON NAME:  American Yellowwood
  • LATIN NAME:  Cladrastis kentukea
  • FAMILY NAME:  Fabaceae
  • LOCATION: Between Mary Lyon and Park Hall
Class of 1945 tree, Cladrastis kentukea, in full stature. This species is native to the southeastern United States.The pinnately compound leaves turn yellow in the fall. The leaflets will fall to the ground while the leaf stalk or rachis persists.
The pod-like fruit containing 4-6 flat seeds identifies Cladrastis kentukea as a member of the Legume Family (Fabaceae).Fruits resembling dried pea pods identify Cladrastis kentukea as a member of the Legume Family (Fabaceae).
A 2-inch long Cladrastis kentukea leaflet. A complete leaf would consist of an odd number of leaflets arranged along a central stalk or rachis.The foot-long pinnately compound leaves of Cladrastis kentukea consist of an odd number of leaflets, 7-11, arranged along a central stalk or rachis. Pinnately compound leaves are common in the Legume Family.
The bark of Cladrastis kentukea ranges from gray to brown. As the common name suggests, the underlying wood is yellow in color.

Next: Yew