The American yellowwood, also known by its scientific name Cladrastis kentukea, typically reaches 30 to 50 feet in height, with a spread of 40 to 50 feet, although it can reach up to 75 feet in height. The yellowwood is named for its yellow heartwood and has been used to create yellow dyes. In the fall, the leaves turn copper and yellow.

The yellowwood can survive in zones 4 through 8, growing in both areas with some shade and with full sun. It has moderate drought tolerance and prefers occasionally wet to well-drained soils.

The yellowwood produces a sizable number of flowers, typically one inch in diameter, which attract bees. Trees begin flowering at 10 years. While they flower yearly, the trees tend to display particularly impressive flowering displays every two to five years.
The yellowwood requires pruning to improve its lifespan, and pruning must be performed in the summer to avoid excess bleeding. If unpruned, trees can tear themselves apart in 30 to 40 years.

The American yellowwood on campus can be found behind Markle, between the building and the parking deck.