Kentucky coffee tree
Gymnocladus dioica
MBG Plant of Merit 2012
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size60 to 80 feet tall40 to 50 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioica) is a tree for specimen planting, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, loamy or clay soil. It is drought tolerant and salt tolerant, so it handles tough sites. The tree has fragrant blooms and grows large, so give it plenty of room.
Pairs well with Contorta eastern white pine, Charles Joly lilac, and Indian Summer rudbeckia.