Genus and species: Cladrastis kentukea

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound and are 8-12" (20-30cm) long containing 7-11 leaflets, each 2.5-4" (6-10cm) long. (View Measured Leaf) The leaflets are elliptical, almost paired, have short stalks, and hairless. They are shiny green on top, paler beneath.(View Leaves)

Bark: The bark is gray and very smooth. If cut into, it reveals the yellow wood it covers.(View Bark) The twigs are brown and hairless.

Fruit: The fruit is a flat, narrow pod, about 2-3.25" (5-8cm) long. They are light brown, and usually hang in clusters. Each contains about 2-6 beanlike seeds. Pods containing seeds are common among members of the Leguminosae family.(View Fruit)

Tree: The tree can grow to be 50' (15m) tall, has an short trunk and a rounded, broad crown, as pictured to the left.

Range and Habitat: These trees are commonly found from Virginia west to Oklahoma. However, they are also commonly planted in the Northeast. They are usually found in moist, rich soils.