Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

May 7

Species info:

Leaves: Large, bi-pinnately compound. Can be 2 to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide.

Leaflets: The leaflets are pinnate and support a ranking of 6-14 sub leaflets,1-1/2 inches long, pointed. Margins are entire.

Leaf Surface: Blueish-green.

Buds: Small and sunken. Born on stout twigs with large leaf scars and vascular bundles.

Bark: Smooth and brown on young branches. Older stems are furrowed with a blocky, scaly appearance. It is very distinctive and attractive.

Flowers: Inconspicuous; appear before leaves. Produce samaras ~½" long with a thin oval wing, hairy-fringed and notched at the tip.

Fruit: On female trees, a leathery, brownish-black pod is produced.

Botanical: Gymnocladus dioicus

Family: Fabaceae

Mature Height: 60–75 feet

Canopy Spread: 40–50 feet

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Obovate

Growth Rate: Slow to medium. Once established, it can grow a foot or so per year in Colorado.

Flower: Interesting, but not showy

Fruit: Persistent on female trees.

Fall Color: Yellow

Water Use: Low to moderate.

Hardiness: Zones 3 to 8.

Soil Preference: Adapts well to a variety of climates and soils.

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals; provides habitat and nesting sites due to its broad branching architecture

Pests/Pathogens: Little to none noted.

Planting Recommendations: Recommended for most sites along the Front Range and on the Western Slope.

Information Sources:

Colorado Tree Coalition

Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serratta)