Gymnocladus dioicus

Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus, commonly known as Kentucky Coffeetree, is a large, coarse-textured deciduous tree valued for its bold form and unique foliage. Very large, bipinnately compound leaves emerge late in spring with a blue-green color, create a tropical, open canopy through summer, and turn clear yellow in fall, while small greenish-white flowers appear in late spring followed by large, leathery seed pods (on female trees) that persist into winter. Its rugged branching and architectural winter form add year-round interest.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size:
Width: 40–50 ft
Height: 60–75 ft
(10-year size: approx. 20–30 ft tall × 15–25 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Open, upright, irregular to oval canopy
Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates poor, alkaline, and urban soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides cover; seeds may be used by wildlife


Features & Landscape Uses


Bold, tropical-looking foliage



Open canopy provides light, filtered shade



Strong winter interest with coarse branching and pods



Highly tolerant of urban conditions




Care
Very low-maintenance. Plant in full sun for best growth. Prune when young to develop good structure. Extremely tolerant of drought, poor soils, and urban stress. Generally pest- and disease-resistant. Note: seed pods can be messy on female trees—male selections are often preferred for landscape use.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

60-70'

Width

40-50'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Winter

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Alkaline, Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Upright

Bark

Corky

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

15-25'

10-year width

20-25'