Gymnocladus dioicus

Also Known As

Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky Coffeetree

Plant type

tree

size

H: 60'-100'
W: 30'

planting zones

3a-8b

More Options

Gymnocladus dioicus plant details

Gymnocladus dioicus is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In summer green and white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gymnocladus dioicus

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 30 FT wide, 60 FT - 100 FT - tall
Flowers: green and white blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gymnocladus dioicus

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the most handsome of our native trees, the Kentucky coffeetree is a tall 60-80' deciduous tree with handsome, rough, scaly gray-brown bark and large 3' compound leaves which are divided into 3-7 pairs of 1-3" blue-green leaflets, greenish-white spring flower clusters (fragrant on females trees) become (on female trees) flattened reddish brown pods up to 10" long, Native Americans and early American settlers roasted and ground the seeds to brew a coffee-like beverage, giving it its common name, the picturesque branches of this open oval tree are lovely in winter after its yellow autumn leaves drop; seeds are very toxic prior to roasting and should never be eaten fresh off the tree; ours are unsexed seedlings. S/M

By: Forestfarm

One of the toughest trees for a wide variety of climates, Kentucky Coffee Trees tolerate a wide range of soils as well as extreme heat and drought. They are related to Locust Trees and have similar compound leaves that wave in the wind but are not thorny and far less likely to have trunk dieback. The roots are very thick and solid even on small trees, making this a very wind fast plant.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Gymnocladus dioica - Kentucky Coffee Tree or Coffeetree is a tall deciduous tree with rough, scaly gray-brown bark and large bipinnate compound leaves.. It grows 60-80' (less frequently to100') tall with an irregular open oval to obovate crown. bluff bases and along streams (Steyermark). Large leaves to 3' long, As the specific epithet suggests, the species is dioecious (separate male and female trees). Native Americans and early American settlers, especially those in the Kentucky territory, roasted and ground the seeds to brew a coffee-like beverage (albeit no caffeine), hence the common name. Native Americans roasted the seeds for food. Seeds are very toxic prior to roasting, and should never be eaten fresh off the tree.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

An under-used American native of the Midwest and Ohio Valley. Hardy, pH adaptable, large tree of bold branch character and shaggy bark. Pest-free, its obscurity in the trade is unwarranted, except that it can be difficult to transplant field-grown seedlings. Ours are exclusively container propagated during the first season to root prune them from the get-go.