Gymnocladus dioicus

Common Names

Kentucky Coffeetree, Coffeetree, Kentucky Coffee Tree, American Coffee Berry, Chicot, Nicker Tree

Summary

Kentucky coffeetree is a large North American native deciduous tree with an open crown and irregular habit, typically 60–80 ft tall and 40–55 ft wide, featuring dark gray/brown, deeply fissured bark. It has very large bipinnately compound leaves up to 3 ft long with leaflets about 2 in long, and greenish-white flowers in late spring on separate male and female trees; seed pods are 5–10 in long and persist into winter. Leaves, seeds, and pulp contain the toxin cytisine, making parts poisonous, though seeds can be roasted as a coffee substitute; it is drought- and urban-tolerant, native to central/eastern United States and Ontario, and adaptable to a wide range of soils in hardiness zones 3–8.

Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a wide range of soils, including alkaline conditions; drought- and pollution-tolerant and urban-tolerant. Propagation is by scarified seed or rooted cuttings, with cultivars such as Espresso, Prairie Titan, Stately Manor, and others often used to reduce fruit litter via male selections. Uses include shade in large landscapes, parks, and streets, plus timber for construction and cabinetry; growth is moderate to fast when young, with mature spacing of about 40–50 ft to accommodate size, though not ideal for small yards due to size and potential litter from seed pods.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

60-80 ft

Spread

40-50 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Greenish white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Blue-green to dark green foliage, turning yellow in fall

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium growth rate; 12–24 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and pollinators