Forest Rebuilding

Scientific name: Cladrastis lutea (Cladrastis kentukea or Sophora kentukea)
The name derives from Greek words meaning klados thraustos meaning fragile branches and soft.
Common names: yellow wood tree
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Eastern USA


Layout and presentation: lutea is one of the seven species of the genus Cladrastis, called kentukea because Kentucky was discovered in the region, other species are native to East Asia, namely China and Japan).

Is a tree of average growth, reaching maturity at 15 to 20 m tall and with a crown of about 10-12 m wide decorative foliage imparipenat is composed of 7 to 11 oval leaflets about 10-12 cm long, light green, but especially the independence and fragrant blossoms that reach 30 cm long, looking for clusters of small white flowers, very similar to those of the locust. An interesting aspect is the Cladrastis lutea yellow marrow, wood interior, which is used to obtain because of expensive furniture.


Terms care / cultivation: a tree is easy to become acclimatized, since it supports a wide range of atmospheric conditions.

Although tolerate slight shade is preferable to planting in sunny areas, because, for a beautiful bloom, needs bright light, even 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Heat is beneficial and her vigorous development of the tree. However, in winter and low temperatures agree. It is resistant to cold and frost, generally supporting temperatures between minus 20 and plus 30 degrees Celsius.
No claim in terms of culture substrate, supporting rich soils as well as on the clay and poor, provided they allow good drainage of water.
It needs abundant watering in very warm periods, being sensitive to insufficient water only early in the planting and accepting almost any pH (from 4 to 10).


Flowering occurs in late spring, blossoms on the branches persisting during May and June, during which spread a particular fragrance, slightly sweet, like vanilla, attracting pollinating insects. Pollination is easy, because flowers are hermaphrodite (have male and female organs as well). After exhausting flowering form pods, each containing 2 to 6 seeds, which shot to the green, near the end of September.


Propagation is difficult. That process faster, it is preferable potting-up, which will provide background conditions, with heat and high humidity. It can multiply them by seeds, but the process is difficult, requiring time and patience, and low temperatures (10-12 degrees Celsius).


Tricks and special tips: Plant it in the current protected areas, fragile branches tend to break easily in case of storms or strong winds.
If necessary, make cuts to correct the crown in late summer. Tree contains a milky sap that abound in spring and winter, these seasons are not recommended trimming.
Periodic heavy flowering occurs every two years, the quality of flowering is determined by the high temperatures of the previous summer.


Species and varieties: C.platycarpa, C.parvifolia, C.sinensis, C.scandens, C.sikokiana, C.wilsonii.