Cladrastis kentukea (syn. lutea) , Yellowwood

Native to the southeastern US, the Yellowwood is a deciduous tree with lush, pinnately compound leaves of bright green, rich golden-yellow in fall. In 8–10 years you'll be rewarded with wonderfully fragrant creamy panicles in May that cover the tree like so much wisteria. A legume, the flowers will be followed by entertaining, long, flat, brown seed pods that look exotic. Round crown; typically 30–50' tall, 40–55' wide—strongly branched and well-shaped, it makes a terrific shade tree! Minimum temperature: -30° F