Kentucky Coffee Tree


Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch
Family: Fabaceae
Kentucky Coffee Tree(Gymnocladus dioicus)
Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 340. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 1-3,7-10,12-16,18-21
USDA: 4-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun

Origin: Eastern USA

Growth Habits: Large shade tree, up to 50 feet tall (15 m) or more; very large leaf, 1 to 3 feet long (30-90 cm), alternate, bipinnately compound

Watering Needs: Little water when established

Propagation: Seeds, rooted cuttings

Raw leaves and seeds are toxic. The grilled seeds have been used as coffee by the early pioneers (hence the name).

Blooming Habits:
Generally dioecious, green-white to blue-white, fragrant flowers. The female inflorescences are up to 10 inches long (25 cm) and pyramidally shaped, males are 3 to 4 inches long (7-10 cm), in May and June. The fruit are reddish-brown, flattened, thickened pod, 3 to 8 inches long (7-20 cm), 1.5 to 2 inches wide (4-5 cm), with 6 or more dark brown seeds in a sticky pulp. The fruit litter might be a chore to pick up at the end of the winter. 'Espresso' is a seedless cultivar.


 

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