Description
Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffeetree) Seeds
Zone: 3 to 8.
Native to southern Ontario, the midwest and upper south of the United States.
The Greek genus name Gymnocladus, means naked branch, because its branches are bare for up to six months since the tree drops its leaves early in autumn and leafs out in late spring. The second part of the botanical name, dioicus, refers to the fact that the male and female flowers appear on separate plants. The seedpods which are brown and leathery are born by female trees. American pioneers roasted the seeds and made a coffee-like beverage, hence its common name. Seeds are toxic prior to roasting and should not be eaten fresh from the tree.
The Kentucky Coffeetree has an oval crown comprised of ascending branches. Foliage consists of bi-pinnately compound leaflets 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches (4 to 6 cm) long that are blue-green in summer, then turn yellow in autumn. The bark is grey and scaly on young trees; on mature trees it is rough and dark brownish-grey with fissures and scaly ridges. Best grown in moist, rich and well-drained soils in full sun. However it tolerates poorer soils and drought once established. It also adapts well to urban conditions and is a good tree for larger lawns and parks.
Size: Height 60 to 70 ft; Width 40 to 50 ft.
Germination Instructions
Scarification: Seeds have a very hard seed coat on them which needs to be broken down before the seeds can germinate. Sand or file the seeds and/or carefully nick the outer coating with a pocket knife. Be careful not to go too deep into the seed itself. Then place seeds in a container with hot water and let the water cool to room temperature. Leave the seeds in the water for 12 to 24 hours until they show signs of swelling. If not, repeat the previous steps. When seeds show signs of swelling, sow them in pots. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
