Cladrastis kentukea

Cladrastis kentukea (yellowwood) has limited but repeatable mentions of traditional remedies in North American literature. Among Cherokee communities of the southern Appalachians, bark infusions have been reported as treatments for colds and fevers, and bark poultices for toothaches (Moerman, 1998). Ethnographic records from Iroquois peoples of the northern Northeast also describe decoctions of yellowwood bark used to manage dysentery, with caution noted due to the plant’s potential toxicity (Herrick, 1995; Fenton, 1945). In Appalachian folk practice, macerated bark—sometimes in small amounts of whiskey or brandy—has been used to ease stomach pains, with contemporary herbalists noting its use in tonic-style preparations (Chevallier, 2016).

The documented preparations involve the bark almost exclusively. A mild tea or cold infusion is made by simmering 1–2 teaspoons of dried yellowwood bark in 8 ounces of water for 10–15 minutes, then straining and allowing to cool. For a traditional “tonic,” 1 part dried bark is macerated in 5 parts 40–50% ethanol (by volume) for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily, and then pressed; 1 mL is taken in water once daily (Doohan, 2015). Safety notes are essential: yellowwood bark can be bitter and may contain alkaloids; internal use should be short term and avoided in pregnancy, in children, and in individuals with liver disease. Discontinue if stomach upset or nausea occurs and consult a qualified practitioner.

Biochemically, the bark and wood of Cladrastis kentukea contain isoflavones such as formononetin and biochanin A, known for estrogen-like activity, as well as pterocarpans like medicarpin and small amounts of quinolizidine alkaloids; these compounds are well documented for the genus and plausibly explain the historical use as bitters and antipyretics (Michels, 1961; Johns & Kubíková, 2003; Pavlíčková et al., 2006; Havsteen, 1962). While alkaloid profiles vary among taxa, their presence supports cautionary dosing practices.

Today, yellowwood appears occasionally in ethnobotanical collections and specialty nurseries rather than mainstream commerce, and experimental work remains sparse. Small-scale folk use in parts of Appalachia continues, but most references emphasize caution and limited therapeutic scope (Moerman, 1998; Chevallier, 2016).

Common products:
Heartwood lumber sawn into boards and dimension stock for furniture, flooring, interior trim, cabinetry, and specialty items.

Wood and fiber:
Pale yellow sapwood with relatively light-colored heartwood, generally straight to slightly interlocked grain and fine to medium texture; low shrinkage and good dimensional stability; Janka hardness approx. 1,010 lbf (4.5 kN). Wood is valued for carving, turning, musical-instrument components, and high-finish millwork.

Scientific/model use:
Maintained in regional forestry and dendrology reference collections; documented in public biodiversity and plant-resources databases (e.g., Kew Science Plant of the World Online, USDA PLANTS) used in identification and comparative studies.

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