NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Gymnocladus dioicus

Kentucky Coffeetree, Kentucky Mahogany

Scientific Name:	Gymnocladus dioicus
Genus:	Gymnocladus
Species Epithet:	dioicus
Common Name:	Kentucky Coffeetree, Kentucky Mahogany
Plant Type	Tree
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Fabaceae (Legume Family)
Native/Alien:	S.E. Native
Invasive Status:	^(*Key)
Size:	36-72 ft., 72-100 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	White, Green
Light:	Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry, Moist
Bloom Time:	April, May, June
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont
Habitat Description:	Native in rich bottomland and slope forests, also in disturbed areas, persistent and weakly spreading from horticultural plantings.
Leaf Arrangement:	Alternate
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Compound
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Has some wildlife value
Landscape Value:	Recommended and Available
State Rank:	SNA: Not Applicable ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
State Status:	^(*Key)
Notes:	This species is dioecious, having separate male and female trees.
Kentucky Coffeetrees have distinctive bipinnate compound leaves. Leaflets are ovate, glabrous, and dull green above and below. Will Stuart
Fruits are thick, leathery pods produced on female trees in late summer. While seeds and seedpods are toxic, roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute. Will Stuart
The bark of mature Kentucky Coffee trees is deeply fissured and very attractive. Will Stuart
A row of handsome Kentucky Coffeetrees decorate a berm in the parking lot at the North Carolina Arboretum. Will Stuart
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record