Coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
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 50–70 ft tall and 35–45 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Seedless cultivars.
low to medium water50–70 ft tall and 35–45 ft wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Gymnocladus dioicus" by Bruce Marlin is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
- Photo 2: "Gymnocladus dioicus JPG1a" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "Kentucky Coffee-tree Gymnocladus dioicus Winter Tree 2000px" by Photo (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/.
- Photo 4: (c) John G. Phillips, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John G. Phillips
- Photo 5: "Gymnocladus dioicus, Chicago 02" by romana klee from usa is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Baden-Baden-Gymnocladus dioicus-62-Geweihbaum-Blaetter-2010-gje" by Gerd Eichmann is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- 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)
- Tolerates
- Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–70 ft tall and 35–45 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~45 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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 Coffeetree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Coffeetree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Coffeetree get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 35–45 ft wide.
- How much room does Coffeetree need?
- Give Coffeetree about 45 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Coffeetree grow into?
- 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 Coffeetree hardy on the Front Range?
- 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 Coffeetree need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Coffeetree grow?
- Coffeetree is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Coffeetree live?
- Coffeetree is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Coffeetree turn in fall?
- Coffeetree turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Coffeetree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Coffeetree deer-resistant?
- Coffeetree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Coffeetree a good firewise plant near the house?
- 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 Coffeetree prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
