American Yellowwood

American yellowwood is a deciduous shade tree with a rounded, vase-shaped crown and hanging clusters of fragrant white, pea-like flowers in late spring. It can bloom heavily in some years and lightly in others, and its foliage turns yellow in autumn. ([Virginia Cooperative Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/2901/2901-1034/2901-1034.html); [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/yellowwood/)) ## Site and form Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Mature references place the species around 30–50 ft tall and 40–55 ft wide; allow space for the broad crown and large branches. The tree can serve as a specimen or provide shade. ([Virginia Cooperative Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/2901/2901-1034/2901-1034.html); [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/yellowwood/)) ## Maintenance Establish a sturdy branch framework while the tree is young. Prune only in summer because winter or spring cuts can bleed sap; remove dead or damaged wood when needed.