Smith, R.W.
Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch
Kentucky coffeetree, Stump tree
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Usually a short-trunked
tree with narrow, open crown of coarse branches and very large, twice-compound leaves. When crowded by other trees, this species grows tall and slender. If more open-grown, it becomes a round-topped tree. Its unique
bark is dark brown and roughened with scale-like ridges in distinct patterns. It leafs out late in spring. The large, twice-compound leaves gives the foliage a tropical look. Greenish-white flowers are held in terminal clusters, and the
fruit is a purplish-brown
pod that remains into winter. Fall foliage is yellow-green. Kentucky coffeetree grows 75-100 ft. tall.
This species has by far the largest leaves of any
native tree in Canada. It is often used in landscaping well beyond its natural range because it transplants easily and can tolerate urban conditions (Kershaw). The roasted seeds were once used as a coffee substitute; raw seeds, however, are poisonous. The reddish-brown wood makes attractive cabinets, and the
fruit pulp has been used in home remedies. Scattered or rare in the wild, this species is planted an an ornamental for the very large leaves and for the stout twigs, which are bare except in summer. As the leaves develop late in spring and shed early, the leafless trees often appear to be dead. The generic name, from Greek, means naked branch. Its
native range comprises much of eastern North America, from Georgia in the southeast to Oklahoma in the west, north to southwestern Ontario, where it is listed as a threatened species by Canadas Species at Risk Act (SARA). It apparently becomes less common in the northern reaches of its range, as it is also listed as Endangered in the state of New York, though populations appear safe in the remainder of its US range.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Red, Brown
Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI
Canada: ON Native Distribution: NY to s. Ont, s. MI, s. MN & Missouri R. region of NE & SD, s. to VA, n. AL, AR & OK; naturalizing elsewhere
Native Habitat: Floodplains; moist woods; lower slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Deep, rich, moist sandy loams or silty clays.
Conditions Comments: Kentucky coffee
tree is resistant to disease and insect problems and adaptable to drought, chalk, heat, cold, salt and city conditions. The
tree is slow-growing. Occasional root suckers should be pulled. Prune in winter or early spring. Wood may be somewhat brittle. Its light, filtered shade encourages healthy turf.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Gymnocladus dioicus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2013-04-11
