Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky coffee tree
A slow-growing, spreading deciduous tree with large, bipinnate leaves up to 1m long. Each leaflet is divided into 8-14 oval, softly hairy, dark green leaflets. These are pink-tinged when young, and turn yellow in autumn. Young shoots have a grey-white bloom, most noticeable in winter
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Gymnocladus are deciduous trees with a spreading habit and large, bipinnate leaves. The inconspicuous flowers are unlikely to appear in the UK as the summers are not hot enough
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown as a specimen tree in deep, fertile, moist but wel-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or take root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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