Description
Kentucky Coffeetree is a large tree, with beautiful 12″ greenish white flowers, and the seed is 5 to 10″ and is used as a coffee substitute. The wood is about 43 Lb per cu ft, used for cabinet making. The Coffeetree is native to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, southern Michigan and Ohio with some growing around Windsor, Ontario. The coffee tree loses it’s leaves early in the fall and sprouts new leaves late in the spring which makes it a good choice for shading southern windows in the summer. Here are some alternative trees. The Gardenia site has some good info on the Coffee tree.
Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
Zone: 3-8
Mature Height: 60-70 ft
Mature Width: 40-50 ft
Fruit: 5-6″ long bean pod containing a gooey substance around the seeds
Flowers: Greenish white
Bloom- Time: May – June
Growth Rate: 12” – 24”
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
Drought Tolerance: Good
Flood Tolerance: Moderate
Sun Requirements: Sun
Fall Color: Rich Yellow
Wildlife Value: Host for the bicolored honey locust moth
