Gymnocladus dioicus
Kentucky coffee tree
Central North America — Ohio and Mississippi River valleys; rich bottomlands and river floodplains
Overview
Gymnocladus dioicus is Kentucky coffee tree (Kentucky coffeetree), a large upright deciduous tree growing 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall and 30-50 feet (9-15 m) wide. Blue-green bipinnately compound leaves 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) — among the largest compound leaves of any temperate tree. Individual leaflets 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm). Turns yellow in fall. Dioecious — female trees produce white to greenish-white flower panicles 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in May-June, followed by thick brown seed pods 4-10 inches (10-25 cm). In Fabaceae spp.. Native to central North America. The tree is leafless for 6+ months (late October to late May) — this extended leafless period is the primary aesthetic limitation. Plant male cultivars to avoid pod litter: 'Espresso', 'Stately Manor'. Seeds and raw pods are toxic (cytisine alkaloids). No significant insect or disease problems. Tolerates alkaline soil (pH to 8.0), drought, salt, and urban conditions. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-8. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to central North America — Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. Found in rich bottomlands and river floodplains.Suggested Uses
Grown as a street tree (male cultivars), shade tree, and park tree spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m). Plant male cultivars only ('Espresso', 'Stately Manor'). Tolerates urban conditions. No significant pests. Leafless 6+ months. Toxic seeds. Deer-resistant. Native to North America. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to greenish-white, in terminal panicles 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) on female trees; male flowers in shorter racemes 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)Foliage Description
Blue-green, bipinnately compound, 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) long — among the largest compound leaves of any temperate tree; turns yellow in fall; the individual leaflets are 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-8.0 — tolerates alkaline clay, salt, drought, and urban conditions. No significant pest or disease problems. Plant male cultivars to avoid pod litter. Seeds and raw pods toxic (cytisine). Leafless for 6+ months. Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a strong central leader when young — the tree tends toward co-dominant leaders. Remove dead, crossing, or weak-angled branches. The coarse thick branching is the natural winter character.Pruning Schedule
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early spring