Woody brown seed pods remain on the bare branches of female Kentucky coffee trees (Gymnocladus dioicus) all winter. It occurs throughout Kentucky, but is most common in open woods in the Bluegrass. Growth Rate. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. It prefers rich, moist soils in floodplains, terraces, ravines, coves, and lower slopes. Instead of cutting down a tree and counting its growth rings or using an increment borer to find out how old a tree is, you can make a fairly good estimate of the age of a tree by using a simple formula published by the International Society of Arboriculture. Medium growth rate. It offers finely divided blue-green leaves that cast light shade. A tea made from leaves and pulp was used as a laxative. The Kentucky coffee tree is not commonly offered in the nursery trade because the taproot makes the tree somewhat difficult to transplant and its relatively slow growth rate makes it … You'll appreciate the easy-care and fast growth rate of Decaf® Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica 'McKBranched'). It's also a tough tree, holding up well to dry conditions, alkaline soil, and even a bit of salt. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667, For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent. Fall Color: Yellow. Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree in fall Here is how it looks in the winter with no foliage. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) Zones 3-8. For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. A 10-year-old sapling will stand about 4 meters (13 feet) tall. This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Yet, you'll still get all the benefits of a shade tree. Copyright 2020, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. It has a striking winter silhouette. Growth habit: Low-branching tree with a broad, rounded crown. Flowers Inconspicuous. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. This tree is considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. In earlier times, its wood was used in the construction of railway sleeper cars. Tree size: Reaches a height of 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 40 to 55 feet. There are several cultivars of Kentucky coffeetree that are available in the nursery trade. These are preferred as street trees because the large pods can make a mess in early spring when they are shed from the trees in large numbers. Tree Characteristics. Growth rate Slow to medium. An Equal Opportunity University. The Kentucky coffeetree's tolerance to pollution and a wide range of soils makes it a suitable tree for urban environments. Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. Decaf is a sport of the native Coffeetree and can be widely grown from Zones 3 - 8. The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. anything from slow to fast... hard to say there's info that agrees with eachother Has Deciduous foliage. The Kentucky coffeetree grows in in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. Essentially, it’s your typical Kentucky Coffeetree, but there’s no seed pods. An unusually shaped, coarse tree in youth becomes more uniform with age creating an obovate crown. Kentucky Coffee Trees have a slow-to-moderate growth rate. Foliage Large, bi-pinnately compound. It normally reaches about 50 to 80 feet tall. A 2-inch caliper tree has only 1 to 3 branches. Growth Rate: 24 to 36 Inches per Year. Native habitat: North Carolina to Kentucky and Tennessee. This is a very desirable selection of one of our special native trees. It is also widely used as an ornamental or street tree. Large compound leaves. just reading up on the Kentucky coffee tree and ordered some seeds. Parkways, front yards, and backyards are great locations for this unique and newly popular tree. On better sites, its growth rate is moderate (1 to 2 feet per year). Espresso™ Kentucky Coffee Tree is a seedless selection of this tough native, chosen by J.Frank Schmidt & Son for blue green foliage and arching habit. How to Germinate a Kentucky Coffee Tree. The seed pulp is reportedly toxic to cattle. This tree gets its name because early Kentucky settlers noticed the resemblance of its seeds to coffee beans. The Kentucky coffeetree is native to the central states of America from Pennsylvania to Nebraska and from Minnesota to Oklahoma. Adaptable to a variety of soils. Erect or Spreading with a High Canopy. Kentucky Coffee Tree Growing and Maintenance Tips. Produces pyramidal clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom at the same time leaves are maturing (late May to early June). An absolutely beautiful, hardy, moderately fast growing tree which provides filtered shade.. Leaves emerge pinkish, turn dark green in summer and golden yellow in fall. Longevity 50 to 150 years. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a wonderful choice for a large area. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Doug Archbold at 859-257-3352, or darchbol@uky.edu, Kentucky Coffeetree - Gymnocladus dioicusPea Family (Fabaceae). Cattle have died after drinking from pools of water containing fallen seeds and leaves from Kentucky coffeetree. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. Core Characteristics Wisconsin Native: No […] Sources disagree on which parts of the seed pods are edible. Height: 60 - 100 feet. The ugly duckling of trees that I grow, the Kentucky Coffee Tree turns into a beautiful swan as it matures. The only draw back for this tree are the large seed pods on the female tree. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Great for urban spaces! Rounded Shape. Growing to 60-70 ft., you can plant the Kentucky Coffee anywhere you want to create visual interest. There is some evidence to indicate that the Kentucky coffeetree was introduced into Kentucky by Native Americans, who used pulp from its wood to treat insanity. Kentucky coffeetree has reasonably strong wood and will tolerate some ice without losing branches. Buy Kentucky Coffeetree online. Its most common associates include maples, ashes, hackberry, black walnut, butternut, honey locust, and bitternut hickory. Tolerant of pollution. A good landscape tree for parks and large, lawn areas. It usually separates 3 to 4½ meters (10–15 feet) from the ground into three or four divisions which spread slightly and form a narrow pyramidal head; or when crowded by other trees, sending up one tall central branchle… Native to the Midwest, this tree bears leathery, reddish-brown seed pods that add winter interest to the Midwestern landscape. Width: 40 - 50 feet. This native tree is commonly called Kentucky Coffee Tree or coffeetree.A strong grower that is often used as a shade tree and a street tree favorite.Late to leaf out in spring, the coffee tree is the first to drop leaves in fall. The Kentucky coffeetree grows to a height of 60–75' and a spread of 40–50' at maturity. Some years very attractive, some years not much. Espresso™ Kentucky Coffeetree Gymnocladus dioica ‘Espresso’ Description & Overview The Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree is a grafted male selection. However, caution must be taken because the seeds and pods are poisonous. Large commercial properties should add this tree, and many other native trees, shrubs and perennials. Coarse branches form a broad rounded canopy Inconspicuous yellow flowers in late spring produce dark pods. The tree’s picturesque profile stands out in all seasons and can be attributed to a unique growth habit of coarse, ascending branches that often form a narrow crown. Growth habit: Tree size: The coffeetree tends to reach a height of 60 to 75 feet with a 40- to 50-foot spread at maturity. Another star performer in the NYC street tree evaluations, Gymnocladus has emerged as a very durable shademaker in demanding urban concrete cut-outs. This tree has a slow to moderate growth rate and displays beautiful bright yellow foliage in the autumn. The tree’s picturesque profile stands out in all seasons and can be attributed to a unique growth habit of coarse, ascending branches that often form a narrow crown. The bark of Kentucky Coffeetree is dark brown, characteristically roughened with ridges. Adapts well to a variety of climates and soils. 60-80 Ft in height and 40-55 Ft in width View Map. Fragrant Flowers in Summer. The Nursery Staff at Tagawa Gardens loves it for its beauty and resilience. The species name, dioicus, refers to the tree's dioecious nature. Although widely distributed, this tree is a rare forest tree and occurs in scattered populations. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping. Advertise your corporate initiatives to generate interest and new business. They include selections that are predominantly male and do not produce fruit. Tree expert Michael Dirr pointed out that there are “certainly no two exactly alike.”, The kentucky coffeetree can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3–8. Gardenality is a gardening-centric site made by gardeners for gardeners with tools that enhance any gardening for the expert to the weekend gardener. Their interesting shape and seed pods are attractive and make for winter interest in … The tree grows at a medium rate with height increases of anywhere from 12" to 24" per year. The fruit of Kentucky coffeetree is a typical legume pod,but the flowers are not the typical pea-like form most people associate with legumes. However, the tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils, including dry, compacted or alkaline soil. Drought-resistant. Site design : Academic Web Pages. The seeds of Kentucky coffeetree were used by early settlers as a substitute for coffee. It has the largest bipinnate leaves in northern Illinois, and these large leaves need large branches for support. The tree varies from 18 to 21 meters (60–70 feet) high with a spread of 12–15 meters (40–50 feet) and a trunk up to one meter (3 feet) in diameter. This name refers to the large, coarse branches (without smaller twigs) that remain after the rachis and petiole of the bipinnately compound leaves fall. Leaves Bipinnately Compound, Green, Golden or Yellow or Orange, Deciduous. Native habitat: Northeastern and central U.S. Growth habit - This tree has an irregular form with coarse branches. Medium to fast; Mature Height. Often planted in golf courses and large, open parks, this tree is known for perfectly combining form and function. Kentucky coffee tree ... Growth: Medium — Between 12 and 24 inches of growth per year. Seed pods persist throughout the winter and make an interesting silhouette against the sky. It has a similar leaf to a walnut tree but is without that trees problems. Features bipinnately compound leaves that can reach up 36" in length and 24" in width. Kentucky Coffeetree Care Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a medium-sized tree that will fit into many landscapes and provide interest all year with its bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and even great fall color, if weather conditions are right. That aside, Kentucky coffeetree care will be easier if you plant the tree in organically rich, moist soil with good drainage. Kentucky coffeetree has the largest leaves of our woodland trees. I'm finding some conflicting info on growth rate. Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. The flowers of the female trees have a rose-like fragrance. The emerging leaflets are pink to bronze tinted and turn yellow in the fall. Growth Rate: medium (12"-24" per year) Height: 60-75' / Spread: 20-30'. The national champion Kentucky coffeetree, 97 feet tall, is in Maryland. This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year. Gymnocladus dioicus is the botanical name for the Kentucky coffeetree. Leaf color is pinkish to purple tinged gradually changing to dark green, almost dark bluish green in summer changing to yellow in fall. Females produce 3-6 inch seed pods that stay on all winter providing great winter interest. With its reputation as a tough species, the Kentucky coffeetree is an excellent choice for parks, golf courses, and other large areas. This tree should be planted more in Colorado. Is one of the last trees to leaf out in the spring. While it tolerates wet soil, it has extreme drought tolerance. Native to areas of North America, Kentucky coffee tree is a relatively slow grower that eventually reaches 70 feet tall or so. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. Kentucky coffee-tree [Guilandina dioica L.] Darrin Kimbler . Another important part of growing a Kentucky coffeetree is selecting the right soil. Growth Rate The Kentucky coffee tree grows quite quickly, gaining 24 to 36 inches in height per year. Fall color quality is not reliable. Kentucky Coffee Tree is a slow to moderate growing deciduous native tree in the bean family. Cystisine is thought to be neutralized in the roasting process. With its reputation as a tough species, the Kentucky coffeetree is an excellent choice for parks, golf courses and other large areas. Kentucky Coffee Tree (sometimes spelled Kentucky Coffeetree) makes a wonderful delineation between rough woods and manicured landscape. The Kentucky coffeetree can reach heights of up to 60-75 feet and has an upright and wide spreading canopy. Because leaves of this tree are late to emerge and early to fall, the Kentucky coffeetree is without leaves, or naked, much of the year. Yields seed pods that are 5–10" long and green in color, turning brown, that persist through the winter. It is resistant to air pollution and drought and makes an excellent addition to a rain garden or in a landscape to provide shade. Growth Habit: Upright vase shaped form. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. Individual leaflets are only about 2" long. What it needs: Espresso Kentucky Coffee Tree should be grown in full sunlight. It can reach a height of 90 feet. This site was last updated on December 10, 2020. Seed pods, while visually attractive, can cause messy litter drop. Espresso Kentucky Coffee Tree is a very large, tough shade tree that has become extremely popular in recent years. Gymnos is the Greek word for "naked" and klados is Greek for "branch." Sun Preference Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Scattered throughout Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. They can reach up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Their size isn’t their only striking feature. At one time the Kentucky coffeetree was the designated state tree. The common name comes from the seeds being used by pioneers as a coffee substitute. Male selections include ‘Espresso.'. pH levels: adaptable Soil: moist to well-drained, clay, alkaline, dry sites Sun: full sun to partial shade Tolerate: occasional flooding, drough t, pollution, salt spray, soil salt They contain the alkaloid cystisine that can be dangerous. Once established, it can grow a foot or so per year in Colorado. It is one of the largest Kentucky coffeetrees in the USA. A coarse, upright branching habit in youth, this tree shines with age. VERY WATER THRIFTY and relatively pest free. The Kentucky champion tree is in West Liberty in Morgan County and is 90 feet tall. This tree grows quickly into a nice size for modern landscapes. It has very strong bark which can withstand damage by animals, including deer. 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