How much sun does Kentucky yellowwood need?

Kentucky yellowwood grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Kentucky yellowwood bloom?

Kentucky yellowwood blooms in May and June.

Where is Kentucky yellowwood native?

Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Kentucky yellowwood attract?

Kentucky yellowwood draws bumble bees and carpenter bees.

Kentucky yellowwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cladrastis kentukea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is a perennial tree native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 17 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and carpenter bees.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–600" H × 360"–540" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, GA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, carpenter bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

A medium shade tree with smooth gray bark, bright green compound leaves, and long drooping chains of fragrant white pea flowers in early summer. Fall color is clear yellow. It blooms heavily on a two to three year cycle.

Growing Kentucky yellowwood

Grow Kentucky yellowwood in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 360 to 540 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The pendant flower chains are a major early-summer nectar source for large bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Kentucky yellowwood need?: Kentucky yellowwood grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Kentucky yellowwood bloom?: Kentucky yellowwood blooms in May and June.
Where is Kentucky yellowwood native?: Kentucky yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Kentucky yellowwood attract?: Kentucky yellowwood draws bumble bees and carpenter bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Kentucky yellowwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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