Gymnocladus chinensis

Outstanding, deciduous, ornamental tree from China (though endangered in its native habitats--it's on the list of the world's rarest trees) with ferny, bipinnate leaves and an open, airy architectural structure. Similar to locusts in appearance, these trees provide a tropical look in gardens with much more temperate climates, which is something we like! A vigorous species, growing up to 3' a year, expect growth upwards of 80-100' tall with a trunk diameter of 6' over time. Full sun and some summer watering until established. Frost hardy to USDA zone 7, though we think much lower. Fabaceae

We first saw this rare plant at the USNA in Washington, and were surprised to see such a large specimen. Smaller in stature, leaf size, and more delicate in landscape appeal, this cousin of our American native G. dioicus has more ornamental appeal, we feel. Underappreciated and too seldom used as ornamental, coffetree has an undeserved reputation for being tough to transplant. We find it easy to move if liners are propagated in a root-pruning container, avoiding the necessity of chopping "carrot roots" in half. All who see Chinese Coffeetree are taken with its great beauty.

Deciduous, feathery foliage, lilac flowers in spikes. Almost extinct in China. Zone 4-9. 70', China, part shade, sun, humus rich, moist, well drained.