Kentucky Coffee Tree
Unique tree with great fall color
The Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus Dioicus, may also be known as American coffee berry, Kentucky mahogony, nicker tree, or stump tree.
Kentucky Coffee trees are large round-barked trees belonging to the legume family.
It reaches heights of 60 to 100 feet.
Its short trunk, 1 to 2 feet in diameter, divides into several large branches. The leaves are ovalish and are 2-4 inches long.
An unofficial state tree of Kentucky, the Kentucky Coffee Tree is closely related to the honeylocust.
This deciduous tree is ideal as a shade tree on larger, ungroomed properties.
It got its name because early North American colonists used the large seeds to make coffee. When eaten raw, the seeds are poisonous.
The bark is deeply furrowed and dark brown in color.
It adapts well to urban conditions and has wonderful fall color that starts a brilliant yellow then turning to orange.
Plant Facts
| Family | Gymnocladus dioica |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Green |
| Mature Height | 60 - 75 feet |
| Mature Spread | 40 - 50 feet |
| Soil | Widely Adaptable |
| Zones | 3-8 |
| Moisture | Widely Adaptable |
| Mature Form | Oval, Round |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Flower Color | Insignificant |
| Fall Color | Yellow |
Quick Overview
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