Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus is a fairly rare and unique tree in the legume (pea) family, native to the open woodlands of the eastern USA. It has beautiful bipinnately compound leaves, the largest leaves of any forest tree in Kentucky, although they are absent for much of the year, hence the name for its genus (Gymno - naked / cladus - branch). Only male trees produce the large pods that the tree is perhaps best known for.
Growing conditions: Easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Size at maturity: 60-75’
Uses: There are stories of early settlers using the seeds from the pods as a coffee substitute. I’ve tried this and coffee is much more palatable. Seeds and pods contain cystisine, an alkaloid reported to be toxic (neutralized in roasting) in high amounts and possibly being beneficial to help people quit smoking cigarettes in lower amounts.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Gymnocladus dioicus is a fairly rare and unique tree in the legume (pea) family, native to the open woodlands of the eastern USA. It has beautiful bipinnately compound leaves, the largest leaves of any forest tree in Kentucky, although they are absent for much of the year, hence the name for its genus (Gymno - naked / cladus - branch). Only male trees produce the large pods that the tree is perhaps best known for.
Growing conditions: Easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Size at maturity: 60-75’
Uses: There are stories of early settlers using the seeds from the pods as a coffee substitute. I’ve tried this and coffee is much more palatable. Seeds and pods contain cystisine, an alkaloid reported to be toxic (neutralized in roasting) in high amounts and possibly being beneficial to help people quit smoking cigarettes in lower amounts.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Gymnocladus dioicus is a fairly rare and unique tree in the legume (pea) family, native to the open woodlands of the eastern USA. It has beautiful bipinnately compound leaves, the largest leaves of any forest tree in Kentucky, although they are absent for much of the year, hence the name for its genus (Gymno - naked / cladus - branch). Only male trees produce the large pods that the tree is perhaps best known for.
Growing conditions: Easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
Size at maturity: 60-75’
Uses: There are stories of early settlers using the seeds from the pods as a coffee substitute. I’ve tried this and coffee is much more palatable. Seeds and pods contain cystisine, an alkaloid reported to be toxic (neutralized in roasting) in high amounts and possibly being beneficial to help people quit smoking cigarettes in lower amounts.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8