Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
Common Name: Kentucky coffeetree
Description: This large shade tree features woody pods and big leaves made up of smaller leaflets. Leaves emerge in late spring a striking pink-bronze and mature to a dark blue-green. Bark is ornamental and branches are contorted. Its common name refers to the use of the pods by early settlers as a coffee substitute.
Attributes: Once established, this species is drought tolerant. It’s also adaptable to many soil types, including alkaline.
Growth habit: Kentucky coffeetree has a somewhat oval shape, but an irregular, open crown. It grows up to 70 feet high and 45-60 feet wide.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
Explore the July 2012 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Nursery Management
- Voting now open for the National Garden Bureau's 2026 Green Thumb Award Winners
- Sam Hoadley talks about Mt. Cuba Center's latest evaluation of Solidago sp. for the Mid-Atlantic region
- [WATCH] Betting big on Burro: Kawahara Nurseries' roadmap for scaling to a 12-robot fleet
- Weed Control Report
- New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association announces annual awards
- Star Roses and Plants announces restructure of woody ornamentals team
- New Michigan box tree moth alert available in English and Spanish
- The Growth Industry Episode 8: From NFL guard to expert gardener with Chuck Hutchison
