An excellent specimen of Yellowwood is planted next to the Arboretum’s Visitors Center. This uncommon tree is primarily found on calcareous soils in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, but scattered populations may be found in adjacent states. Yellowwood is a relatively small tree typically growing to heights of 30 to 50 ft. It belongs to the Bean family, and has alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 7 to 11 leaflets. Its smooth gray bark resembles that of Beech.

In the spring or early summer it produces panicles of fragrant white flowers resembling those of Wisteria. It flowers every 2 to 3 years. The fruits are pods (5 to 8 cm. long) that mature in the fall. Yellowwood gets its name from the yellow color of its heartwood when freshly cut. It is used as a landscape plant, and the wood has been used for gunstocks and small decorative items.

Return to: Tree List