Kentucky Coffee-tree Gymnocladus dioicus
Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Cassia)
Branching: Alternate

Kentucky Coffee-tree is a rare tree in Canada and only grows naturally in a few locations in Southern Ontario.  But it is planted in some locations as it is a very unique tree.  Its leaves in the summer are by far the largest of any in Canada and can measure 2 feet long.  In the winter it is equally distinctive with its incredibly thick twigs and sparse branching (it always looks like it's dead in the winter!)  It has huge leaf scars and tiny nubs for buds.  Its pods (which are often rare to see) are like thick, oversized bean pods


Coffee-tree twig.  Notice the absence of a prominent end bud (looks similar to Ailanthus or Sumac)


Closeup of the tip of the twig


Lateral bud.  Notice the bud placement.  The leaf scars are similar in shape to Walnuts and Hickories as well


Another view of the lateral bud and leaf scar


Pith is salmon-coloured


Seed pods


Young bard beginning to split


The bark peels to one side, similar to Honey Locust


A leaf-stalk.  There are often many of these on the ground beneath the trees and one or two
still clinging to the branches.


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This page is maintained by Josh Sayers.
Please email me with any questions, comments
or errors.  The more accurate it is, the more helpful it will be!

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