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The Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a sturdy and majestic, deciduous tree known for its rugged beauty, unique foliage, and adaptability to various soil conditions. A native to the central and eastern United States, this tree stands out due to its coarse branching structure, striking bipinnate leaves, and persistent seed pods that add winter interest. Its ability to withstand drought and urban pollution makes it an excellent choice for parks, streetscapes, and large landscapes.
The genus Gymnocladus belongs to the legume family Fabaceae, which includes a diverse range of plants such as peas, beans, lupines, redbuds, and even tamarind and orchid trees. Though small, the genus is notable for its unique, tough-seeded species like the Kentucky Coffee Tree.
Kentucky Coffee Tree is native to Ontario in Canada and the Midwest, ranging from New York, southern Ontario, southern Michigan, southern Minnesota, and the Missouri River region of Nebraska and South Dakota, extending south to Virginia, northern Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It has also begun naturalizing in other regions beyond its original range. It naturally thrives in rich woodlands, floodplains, and along streams, though its population has declined due to habitat loss and overharvesting.
The Kentucky Coffee Tree is a large deciduous tree with a short trunk and an open, irregular, and oval canopy. It develops coarse, ascending branches that provide a picturesque silhouette in winter when it sheds its large compound leaves.
At maturity, Kentucky Coffee Tree typically grows 60 to 80 feet (18-24 m) in height with a spread of 40 to 50 feet (12-15 m). It is a fast-growing tree when young with moderate to slow growth as the tree ages, averaging 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) per year. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens
This tree can live over 100 years in optimal conditions, making it a long-lasting addition to landscapes and urban environments.
Kentucky Coffee Tree produces greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Female flowers, which appear in large panicles up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, are fragrant and attract pollinators. Male flowers are smaller and grow in shorter clusters.
Fertilized female trees produce large, reddish-brown seed pods measuring 5 to 10 inches (12-25 cm) long. These leathery pods persist through winter and contain several hard, dark brown seeds embedded in a sticky pulp.
The Kentucky Coffee Tree has large, bipinnately compound leaves that can reach up to 36 inches (90 cm) in length and 24 inches (61 cm) in width. Each leaf is composed of softly hairy leaflets, 1 to 3 inches long (2-7 cm).The leaves emerge late in spring with a pinkish-bronze hue, mature to a blue-green shade in summer, and turn dramatic soft golds and yellows in fall before dropping early. The foliage provides dappled shade due to its open structure.
The bark is dark brown to grayish-brown, deeply fissured, and develops scaly ridges as the tree matures. Its rough texture adds winter interest to landscapes.
Kentucky Coffee Tree is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, demonstrating excellent tolerance to cold temperatures and various soil conditions. The tree is also heat and pollution tolerant.
The Kentucky coffeetree provides valuable nesting sites for birds, offering shelter and protection within its branches. However, due to the toxicity of its leaves and raw seeds, it is not a primary food source for most wildlife. It serves as a larval host plant for the bicolored honey locust moth and bisected honey locust moth, supporting local insect populations and contributing to the ecosystem.
While the Kentucky coffeetree is moderately resistant to deer and rabbits, young trees may still experience damage, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
To protect young trees, consider using protective barriers such as tree wraps or fencing, especially during winter months when wildlife pressure increases.
The Kentucky Coffee Tree contains toxic alkaloids, primarily cytisine, in its raw seeds and fruit pulp, which can be harmful to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. The toxicity level is considered low, but symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular pulse, and, in severe cases, coma.
Despite its toxicity in raw form, the seeds become non-toxic after thorough roasting, a method historically used by Native Americans and early settlers to create a coffee-like beverage. However, raw seeds should never be consumed directly from the tree.
Kentucky Coffee Tree is not considered invasive. It reproduces naturally in the wild but does not aggressively spread.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish deep roots. Once established, the tree is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.
Kentucky Coffee Tree generally does not require fertilization. If needed, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Training young trees to a strong central leader can enhance their form.
The Kentucky Coffee Tree has no serious insect or disease problems. It is an alternative to ash and elm, which insects and disease have ravaged.
Yes, the Kentucky Coffee Tree is an excellent choice for large landscapes, parks, and urban environments. It is highly tolerant of drought, pollution, and poor soils, making it a resilient and low-maintenance tree. Additionally, its unique branching structure and winter seed pods add seasonal interest.
The raw seeds and pulp of the Kentucky Coffee Tree are toxic due to the presence of alkaloid cytisine. However, the seeds can be roasted to remove toxicity and have historically been used as a coffee substitute. Consuming raw seeds or pulp can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Kentucky Coffee Trees typically grow to a height of 60-80 feet (18-243 m) with a spread of 40-50 feet (12-15 m). They develop an open, irregular canopy with coarse, upright branches.
Kentucky Coffee Trees are long-lived, often surviving 100 to 150 years in suitable conditions. Some trees may live even longer when grown in natural settings with minimal disturbances.
Yes, young Kentucky Coffee Trees develop a deep taproot, which helps them access groundwater and withstand drought conditions. However, as they mature, they also develop a strong lateral root system that supports stability and anchorage.
Kentucky Coffee Trees have a slow to moderate growth rate. In ideal conditions, they grow around 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) per year. While young trees may grow faster initially, their growth rate slows as they mature.
Yes, Kentucky Coffee Trees produce greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Female flowers are showy and fragrant, occurring in long panicles, while male flowers are smaller and clustered.
When planting Kentucky Coffee Trees, provide at least 40-50 feet (12-15 m) of space between trees to accommodate their mature size. Their broad canopy and extensive root system require adequate room for healthy growth and air circulation.
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Kentucky Coffeetree |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 60' - 80' (18.3m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 40' - 50' (12.2m - 15.2m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Kentucky Coffeetree |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 60' - 80' (18.3m - 24.4m) |
Spread | 40' - 50' (12.2m - 15.2m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Gymnocladus dioica (Kentucky Coffee Tree) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Gymnocladus dioica (Kentucky Coffee Tree) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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