treeN. America Native

Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree

Gymnocladus dioica 'Decaf'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Central and Eastern North America

Toxicity

Raw seeds are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Gymnocladus dioica is a tough, adaptable North American native tree with large, tropical-looking compound leaves and a rugged winter silhouette. Decaf is a superior male selection, meaning it produces no messy seed pods, and has a more refined, upright-oval form than the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its bold, tropical-looking summer foliage, attractive fissured bark, and dramatic winter silhouette. Its open canopy casts a pleasant, dappled shade, allowing turf or other plants to grow underneath.

An extremely tough and adaptable tree, it is an excellent choice for difficult urban sites, including parking lots and street plantings, due to its high tolerance for pollution, drought, and poor soils.

As a native tree, it provides habitat and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Its flowers are a source of nectar for early pollinators. Being a male clone, 'Decaf' does not produce pods, which can be a maintenance concern with female trees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with ample space to grow.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to establish a strong, deep root system for future drought tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially when young.
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches during dormancy.
Allow ample space for its mature size.
Monitor for pests, though they are infrequent.

Don't

Do not plant in a small, restricted space.
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
Do not overwater; it is tolerant of dry conditions once established.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and handsome street treeArchitectural specimen for large lawnsTough shade tree for parks and campuses

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Echinacea purpurea Schizachyrium scoparium Amelanchier canadensis Cercis canadensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree questions

What zones can Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree grow in?

Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree deer resistant?

Yes — Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree bloom?

Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree need full sun?

Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Decaf Kentucky Coffee Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.