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Kentucky coffeetree

English
  • Trees and Shrubs
Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica)
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Daniel Fortin)
Gymnocladus dioica.
  • Gymnocladus dioica.
  • Gymnocladus dioicus, fruit

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

In Québec only one species can be grown, Gymnocladus dioicus. This species is actually native to southern Ontario. This is a large tree with a rounded crown formed of lightly branched limbs. The sparse, dark-green foliage of double composite leaves can be up to 1 m long, and appear in late May. Fruit is in the form of reddish brown pods.

Common name

Kentucky coffeetree

Latin name (genus)

Gymnocladus dioicus

English common name

French common name

Botanical family

  • Leguminocae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Generally undemanding but prefers rich soil. Slow growth.

Easy to grow?

This is a very interesting species because of its sparse foliage. Note that the taproot makes transplanting difficult, for which reason it is preferable to buy young trees or plants with root balls.

This tree is disease-free.

Hardiness

  • Zone 4b

See also

Pests and diseases
Physiological disorders

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