Kentucky coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus 路 Fabaceae 路 also Coffeetree
A large, open tree with a coarse, picturesque winter silhouette, deeply fissured scaly bark and huge doubly compound leaves up to 3 ft long that emerge pink-bronze and turn yellow in fall. It leafs out late and drops early. Female trees carry leathery brown pods all winter; podless male cultivars ('Espresso', 'Prairie Titan') avoid the litter. It tolerates heat, drought, salt, pollution and ice, making it one of the most dependable city trees.
Where it stands
Native
Care
Plant small, since the taproot makes large trees hard to move, in full sun and any reasonable soil. Water the first two seasons, then it needs little. Prune when dormant for structure. It has no serious pests or diseases; leaves, seeds and pod pulp are toxic to people and pets.
Benefits
Good for