Kentucky Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Pods on female messy.
low to medium water60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Gymnocladus dioicus
- Variety / cultivar
- Kentucky Coffeetree
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Pollinator value
- low
- Tolerates
- Hot south- or west-facing walls
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Kentucky Coffeetree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Kentucky Coffeetree get?
- It matures to about 60–75 ft tall and 40–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Kentucky Coffeetree need?
- Give Kentucky Coffeetree about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Kentucky Coffeetree grow into?
- Kentucky Coffeetree typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree hardy on the Front Range?
- Kentucky Coffeetree is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Kentucky Coffeetree need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Kentucky Coffeetree grow?
- Kentucky Coffeetree is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Kentucky Coffeetree live?
- Kentucky Coffeetree is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Kentucky Coffeetree turn in fall?
- Kentucky Coffeetree turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree deer-resistant?
- Kentucky Coffeetree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree a good firewise plant near the house?
- Kentucky Coffeetree is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Kentucky Coffeetree prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Kentucky Coffeetree has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
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