Kentucky Coffee-Tree
Gymnocladus dioicus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Kentucky Coffee-Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a native deciduous tree found across the eastern and central United States. This distinctive species blooms in June and July with greenish-white flowers that attract bees.
Kentucky Coffee-Tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AR, CT, DE, GA and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Kentucky Coffee Tree is a large native shade tree with distinctive compound leaves and interesting branching patterns. It produces fragrant clusters of small white flowers in early summer, followed by large brown seed pods that persist through winter.
Growing Kentucky Coffee-Tree
Grow Kentucky Coffee-Tree in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Kentucky Coffee-Tree is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large seed pods may require cleanup
- Takes many years to reach mature size
Wildlife value
Host plant for Ceratomia catalpae.
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its June-July bloom period. Birds may use the sturdy branches for nesting, though the tree provides limited food sources compared to other natives.
Common questions
- Where is Kentucky Coffee-Tree native to?
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic coast and from southern Canada to the Gulf states.
- When does Kentucky Coffee-Tree bloom?
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree typically blooms in June and July, producing clusters of small greenish-white flowers.
- What pollinators visit Kentucky Coffee-Tree?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Kentucky Coffee-Tree flowers, visiting the blooms for nectar and pollen during the summer flowering period.
- What growing conditions does Kentucky Coffee-Tree prefer?
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree is quite adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun conditions and a wide range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils once established.
- Is Kentucky Coffee-Tree toxic to livestock?
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Kentucky Coffee-Tree HOA-friendly?
- Kentucky Coffee-Tree is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Kentucky Coffee-Tree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz