Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

The Kentucky coffeetree’s tolerance to pollution and a wide range of soils makes it a suitable tree for urban environments. Native to the Midwest, this tree bears leathery, reddish-brown seed pods that add winter interest to the Midwestern landscape. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

Family: (English)PeaFamily (botanic)Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae)

Planting site: City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide medianTree or plant type

TreeFoliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)

Native locale: Chicago area, Illinois, North America

Size range: Large tree (more than 40 feet)Mature height60-75 feetMature width40-50 feet

Light exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)

Hardiness zones: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8.

Soil preference: Moist, well-drained soil

Tolerances: Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt, Wet sites

Season of interest: Late spring, early fall

Flower color and fragrance: Fragrant, White

Shape or form: Irregular, Oval

Growth rate:Slow

Transplants well: Yes

Planting considerations: Messy fruit/plant parts

Has cultivars: Yes