KENTUCKY COFFEETREE
Gymnocladus dioica

Height: 50-70'
Width: 30-50'
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Exposure: sun
Origin: Native from south central Minnesota, south to Oklahoma and east to New York.

Description:

Kentucky Coffeetree is a large upright oval to rounded tree, broadening with age. It has a rather irregular, coarse outline in the winter. Bark is dark with unique scaly ridges. It has very large bipinnately compound leaves. Individual leaflets are 12” long. Fall color is yellow. Sexes are separate. Female trees produce chunky, dark brown flattened pods about 5-7” long and 1 ½” wide. They remain on the tree all winter, adding interest to the winter landscape. Male trees do not produce fruit.

Site and Cultural Requirements:

Prefers a fertile loam soil with ample moisture. Tolerates alkaline soil and urban environments. Full sun. Transplant balled and burlapped.

Insect/Disease Issues:

No serious insect or disease problems. Fallen leaf stalks and pods require some clean up.

Cultivars:

‘Expresso’ – Male selection with upright arching branches.
‘Prairie Titan’ – Very symmetrical male selection with upright spreading habit.
‘Stately Manor’ – Narrow upright form. Male selection.

 

We would like to thank the Landscape Plant Development Center and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the botanical information and photos.

Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org