Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Gymnocladus dioica
Category: deciduous tree Size: large
Mature Size: 60-80' x 40-55'
Zone: 3 - 8 Growth Rate: slow
Foliage: Large bipinnate compound leaves, can be up to 18".
Elevation (if known): To 7,500'
Water: Medium but drought tolerant once established.
Soil : Prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. Tolerates pooer soils and drought. Avoid clay.
Sun: Full.
Comments: May leaf out later than other trees and drop leaves earlier. Adapts well to urban conditions.Kentucky state tree. Male trees do not set fruit. Seeds used to be roasted as a coffee substitute, but may be poisonous to people. Light shade, lawns do well beneath.
Warnings: Raw seeds are poisionous. Large seed pods can be a litter problem (female).
Alamosa Tree Board Recommended? yes
Street Tree? yes Street Tree Conditions: Only if suitable for large tree, gets enough water, and leaf/pod litter isn't a problem.
CO/NM native? no Native to: Central and eastern North America
Known Locations: Several planted in parking lot at Adams State where Monterey jogs into Stadium. 2 planted on eastern side of Cole Park fall 2010. Labeled. 1 died.
Information Sources: Alamosa Tree Board; Missouri Botanical Garden