Kentucky Coffeetree
(Gymnocladus dioicus)
Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
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Plant Image Library
CC BY-SA 2.0
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: Plant Image Library | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Plant Image Library | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gymnocladus dioicus, commonly known as Kentucky Coffeetree, is a deciduous tree native to the open woodlands of the north central USA, particularly riverbanks and floodplains. It typically grows to a height of 60–70 feet (18–21 meters) with a spread of 40–50 feet (12–15 meters) and features a trunk up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. This species has a medium growth rate, with height increases of 12" to 24" per year, and forms an open, irregular crown with stout, blunt branches.
The Kentucky Coffeetree is noted for its bold, coarse texture and its large, bipinnate compound leaves that create a light, dappled shade. It produces greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection. The female trees bear large, leathery seed pods that can be a litter nuisance. In the fall, the foliage turns a clear yellow. Its urban tolerance, coupled with its unique winter silhouette due to the absence of fine twigs, makes it a valuable tree for urban planting, especially where winter sunlight is desirable. It is also used as a specimen tree in parks and large gardens. The Kentucky Coffeetree requires full sun and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. It is not prone to serious insect infestations or diseases, making it relatively low-maintenance.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Kentucky Coffeetree is noted for its bold, coarse texture and its large, bipinnate compound leaves that create a light, dappled shade. It produces greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection. The female trees bear large, leathery seed pods that can be a litter nuisance. In the fall, the foliage turns a clear yellow. Its urban tolerance, coupled with its unique winter silhouette due to the absence of fine twigs, makes it a valuable tree for urban planting, especially where winter sunlight is desirable. It is also used as a specimen tree in parks and large gardens. The Kentucky Coffeetree requires full sun and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. It is not prone to serious insect infestations or diseases, making it relatively low-maintenance.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-70 feet
- Width: 40-55 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, particularly riverbanks and floodplains
Other Names
Common Names: Kentucky Coffee-Tree , Kentucky Coffee Tree , Kanadischer Geweihbaum , Bonduc , Chicot , Chicot Du Canada , Chicot Févier , Gros Févier , Gymnocladier Dioïque , Bunduk
Scientific Names: Gymnocladus dioicus , Gymnocladus canadensis , Guilandina dioica , Guilandina inermis , Gymnocadus dioicus , Hyperanthera dioica
GBIF Accepted Name: Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K.Koch