treeN. America Native

Kentucky Coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioica

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

540 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived, 100+ years

Native To

Central United States

Toxicity

Uncooked seeds and leaves are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Gymnocladus dioica is a large, deciduous tree native to the central United States, notable for its immense, doubly compound leaves and rugged, deeply furrowed bark. It has a coarse, open branching habit that creates a striking winter silhouette. This tree is exceptionally tough, tolerating urban pollution, drought, and a wide range of soils. Female trees produce large, leathery seed pods that persist through winter, adding to its unique character. It is one of the last trees to leaf out in spring.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A highly architectural tree, offering a dramatic, coarse silhouette in winter with its stout branches and rough bark. In summer, its huge, tropical-looking leaves create a light, airy shade. The yellow fall color adds seasonal appeal.

Its extreme tolerance of urban stresses makes it an outstanding choice for tough sites like street medians, parking lots, and parks. The wood is durable and rot-resistant, historically used for fence posts and cabinetry.

The fragrant flowers attract pollinators. While the raw seeds are toxic, they were roasted and used as a coffee substitute by early American settlers, which is the source of its common name. It is largely pest and disease free, requiring no chemical inputs.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with ample space.
This tree is highly adaptable to soil type and pH.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water well.
Water regularly for the first year to promote establishment.

Pro Tip

Be patient in spring; it leafs out very late, often appearing dead when other trees are fully green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best growth.
Prune when young to encourage a strong central leader.
Water during extended periods of drought.
Clean up the large seed pods from female trees if they are a nuisance.

Don't

Do not plant in a small yard; it becomes a very large tree.
Avoid planting in shade, which results in weak, spindly growth.
Do not consume the raw seeds or pulp from the pods as they are toxic.
Don't worry if it looks lifeless in early spring; it's just a late starter.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bold specimen tree for parks and large lawnsDurable and adaptable street or shade treeArchitectural focal point for winter gardens

Companion Plants

Quercus macrocarpa Celtis occidentalis Schizachyrium scoparium Echinacea purpurea Solidago speciosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kentucky Coffeetree questions

What zones can Kentucky Coffeetree grow in?

Kentucky Coffeetree 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 Kentucky Coffeetree deer resistant?

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

When does Kentucky Coffeetree bloom?

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

Does Kentucky Coffeetree need full sun?

Kentucky Coffeetree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Kentucky Coffeetree drought tolerant?

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