Municipality Of Princeton: August 2021 - American Yellowwood

Princeton NJ

02 August, 2021

7:08 AM

Description

Press release from the Municipality of Princeton: August 1, 2021 August 2021 - American Yellowwood Common Name: American Yellowwood Botanical Name: Cladrastis kentukea Native Range: South, Midwest, Northeast Height: 30'-50' Spread: 40'-50' Growth Rate: 9'-12'over an 8-10 year period. Will grow faster with adequate water and fertilizer. Sun: Full Sun to part shade Leaf Description: Alternate, odd-pinnately compound leaflets with the entire leaf 8-12 inches long. The stem is slender, smooth and bright reddish brown. Fall Color: The leaf opens as bright yellow/green changing to bright green in the height of summer. Fall color ranges from yellow to golden yellow. Fall Color: Flower Timing: Late May to early June Flower Description: White fragrant flowers are 8 to 14 inches long, bees are attracted to the nectar. Tends to produce the greatest number of flowers in alternate years. Fruit: The fruit is a flat legume containing hard coated seeds. Bark Description: Thin and gray to light brown retaining color as the tree ages. The bark is smooth and beech -like in texture and appearance. Wildlife Benefit: Pollinators such as bees are attracted to the flower nectar. Tolerates: Tolerates both high pH and acid soils as well as full sun. Possible Insects: None serious Possible Disease: Very few problems are found in this tree although verticillium wilt has been seen in one arboretum. Uses: Considered an excellent tree for its flowers and foliage. Yellowwood's medium height and spreading patterns are considered assets as a shade tree for smaller landscapes. The tree's foliage, bark and flowering pattern enhance its landscape presence. Where to be found on municipal property: Mature specimen in Marquand Park adjacent to the weeping hemlock, 2 newly planted specimens on Aiken Ave walking towards the Harrison Street Park entrance. Additional Facts: Resources: Dirr, M. A.; Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 2019Feathers, S. "A Shade Tree with Benefits" Penn State Ext, 2014 Printable Info Sheet (PDF) Phone: 609-924-4141 This press release was produced by the Municipality of Princeton. The views expressed here are the author's own.