Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica)

Form

May attain height of 100 feet and a diameter of 2 to 3 feet.

Leaf

Alternate, 1 to 3 feet in length and doubly compound. With such large leaves, the tree naturally is without fine twigs, and the branchlets are heavy and blunt with large pith.

Fruit

Pod measuring 4 to 10 inches in length; remain closed during the winter. Seeds are half an inch or more in diameter and are separated by a thick layer of sweet pulp. They have a waterproof coating, so that before planting, boiling water is poured over them, after which they are left to soak for a day.

Flowers

Small, grows in clusters with male and female flowers on different trees.

Range

Relatively rare, but has been found as far north as Winnebago County. Prefers moist, fertile soils.

Wood

Heavy, strong, coarse grained, light red-brown in color and very durable in contact with the soil. It is occasionally used for cabinet work and for posts and general construction.

Notes

Has been planted as a lawn tree to some extent.