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