Cladrastis 'White Rain'

Spectacular spring show of wisteria-like clusters carrying lightly fragrant white flowers

White Rain puts on a spectacular show in spring. After maturing for 2 or 3 seasons, it is covered in graceful pendulous, wisteria-like, white clusters, typically about a foot long and carrying 20 to 30 faintly fragrant flowers.

However, the weeping American yellowwood is interesting in every season. In summer, its weeping habit is exaggerated by the foot-long, pinnately compound leaves, holding several large leaflets each. In fall, the foliage turns rich yellow. And in winter, the tree's freely branching architecture is highlighted by smooth steel-grey bark.

This flowering deciduous tree prefers full sun and has moderately vigorous growth—a good shade tree for a small space. It requires little maintenance, but any pruning should be done in summer, so cuts don't bleed.