Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky Coffeetree is a large tree with large, compound leaves. The canopy is broad and round when the tree is mature, making it a decent shade tree.

Male trees have smaller 4-inch flowers, while female trees have larger, showier and more fragrant clusters of flowers - up to 12 inches long. The flowers transform into a brown bean-shaped pod that will persist into winter after all the leaves have fallen.

In fall, the leaves turn bright yellow. The bark is brown and heavily textured with ridges and furrows.

Kentucky coffeetree is a fabulous low water, large shade tree for the Colorado Springs area.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky Coffeetree is a large tree with large, compound leaves. The canopy is broad and round when the tree is mature, making it a decent shade tree.

Male trees have smaller 4-inch flowers, while female trees have larger, showier and more fragrant clusters of flowers - up to 12 inches long. The flowers transform into a brown bean-shaped pod that will persist into winter after all the leaves have fallen.

In fall, the leaves turn bright yellow. The bark is brown and heavily textured with ridges and furrows.

Kentucky coffeetree is a fabulous low water, large shade tree for the Colorado Springs area.

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Gymnocladus dioicus

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Pronunciation

jim-no-KLAD-us dy-oh-EE-kuh

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Mature Height

40 to 50 ft.

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Mature Spread

40 to 50 ft.

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

yellow-green

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Bloom time

early summer

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Colorado Native

No

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Natural Habitat

central and eastern North America

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 3-8

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 7,500 ft.

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