Kentucky Coffee Tree

Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Transform your landscape with the Kentucky Coffee Tree, a stunning and hardy native tree known for its unique appearance and ecological benefits. Perfect for large spaces, this tree offers beauty and shade while supporting local wildlife.

Key Features:

• Hardiness Zone: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8, making it suitable for a variety of climates across the United States.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, loamy soils but is adaptable to clay and poor soils, showcasing its resilience.
• Height and Width: Grows to an impressive height of 60 to 75 feet and a spread of 40 to 50 feet, providing ample shade and beauty to your yard.
• Fruit Size: Produces distinctive, large seed pods that are 4 to 8 inches long, containing seeds that resemble coffee beans.

Growth Habits:

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth rate; can take several years to establish, with a mature canopy developing over time.
• Flowering Time: Flowers in late spring to early summer, featuring small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators like bees.

Caring for Your Kentucky Coffee Tree:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering; ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then provide moderate water in subsequent years. This tree is drought-tolerant once established.
• Fertilization: Minimal fertilization is needed. If desired, use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Using the Seeds:

• Ripening: The seed pods are typically ripe in late summer to early fall, turning brown and splitting open.
• Culinary Uses: While the seeds are not commonly used in cooking, they can be roasted and ground to produce a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Always ensure proper preparation, as raw seeds can be toxic.

Additional Information:

• Wildlife Benefits: The Kentucky Coffee Tree provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife, making it a fantastic addition to naturalized gardens.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but monitor for common issues such as leaf spots and borers.

Enhance your landscape with the Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) and enjoy its unique beauty, shade, and ecological benefits. Order yours today and watch it thrive for generations!