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Kentucky Coffeetree
Kentucky Coffeetree
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Gymnocladus dioicus
Kentucky Coffee Tree – Product Description
The Kentucky Coffee Tree is a bold, architectural native tree known for its massive compound leaves, coarse branching structure, and impressive stature. Its open canopy provides dappled shade, while its resilience and adaptability make it an excellent choice for urban planting, reforestation, and large-scale landscapes.
Tolerant of poor soils, drought, and urban conditions, this hardy Midwestern native supports pollinators, birds, and soil health, all while delivering unique texture and seasonal character.
Kentucky Coffee Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Gymnocladus dioicus |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Kentucky Coffee Tree, Coffee Tree |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 60–75 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 40–50 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 100–150+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 3–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun (essential for strong structure and canopy) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Tolerates loam, clay, rocky, or compacted soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Blue-green in summer; golden yellow in fall |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Small, greenish-white; male and female on separate trees |
| 🐝 Pollination | Attracts native pollinators and birds |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, coarse, vase-shaped form with open canopy |
| ↔️ Spacing | 40–50 ft apart for shade or specimen planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Shade tree, urban forestry, park plantings, rewilding sites |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🐝 Supports native pollinators and songbirds
🌞 Offers dappled shade that allows grass and understory plants to grow beneath
🌱 Improves soil structure and biodiversity in reforestation and restoration
🌎 Highly tolerant of urban stress, pollution, and climate extremes
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Unique tropical-looking foliage and strong structure | 🌱 Large seed pods can be messy if planted in high-traffic areas |
| 🌞 Ideal for large landscapes, parks, and urban settings | 🌳 Very large size limits use in small yards |
| 🐝 Low-maintenance and tolerant of harsh conditions | 🌸 Male and female trees required for seed production |
| 🍂 Beautiful fall color with golden-yellow foliage | ❄️ Leaf-out occurs later in spring than many other trees |
| 🧬 Long-lived and ecologically beneficial native species | 🪵 Coarse branch structure may require early shaping when young |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before and after planting for strong root development
🕳️ Dig a wide hole twice the size of the root ball; plant at soil level
🌾 Mulch 2–4 inches around base to retain moisture and prevent competition
💦 Water weekly in the first year, especially during hot periods
✂️ Prune in late winter to shape and remove any low or crowded limbs
🧪 Fertilize only if soil is nutrient-poor; tree thrives in lean conditions
The Kentucky Coffee Tree is a rugged and striking native giant, perfect for those seeking legacy plantings, urban resilience, and unique visual texture. Whether anchoring a park, providing shade in a cityscape, or rewilding a large property, this tree offers durability, character, and ecological impact that lasts generations.
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