Botanical Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
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Common Name: Kentucky Coffeetree  
Plant photo of: Gymnocladus dioicus
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Linda Engstrom
  • Description

  • Notes

Kentucky Coffeetree is a wonderful, durable, under-utilized deciduous tree that grows 45 to 60 feet tall and 25 to 40 feet wide. It is narrow in its youth, almost gawky, but grows into a broad, picturesque tree with age. The huge compound bluish green leaves emerge late in the spring, and have a tropical look. It has an open, airy canopy that casts a dappled shade. Female trees bear long, slender seed pods that create a contrasting texture among the leaves. For landscapes where the pods would be considered a nuisance rather than an ornamental feature, choose a male selection such as ‘Espresso.’