Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’ – Espresso™ Kentucky Coffeetree

Botanical Name: Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’

The Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’) is a low maintenance, large deciduous tree with an open growth habit and wide vase-shaped crown that grows into an oval as it matures. It is a grafted male variety – a cultivar of the Kentucky Coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus, which produces no seeds. It therefore does not develop the typical seed pods that can make a mess. This cultivar was developed by J. Frank Schmidt & Sons in Oregon. The species tree is found growing naturally in northeastern and parts of mid-western United States.

The Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree has coarse, compound foliage, ovate in shape and 20 inches in length, with the individual leaflets measuring 6-7 inches. The foliage is a deep, forest green that turns golden yellow in the fall. It grows to a height of 50-60 feet with a spread of 30-40 feet.

The early summer flowers hang down in greenish-white panicles. The vertically ridged, gray-brown bark is attractive and contributes to an interesting winter silhouette.

The Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree should be planted in full sun. It is an adaptable tree and grows well in a range of soil types. This tree is somewhat tolerant of drought conditions, urban pollution, and road salt. It is therefore suited to larger urban landscapes and planting as a street tree along large boulevards. It is also useful to plant for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

No significant pest or diseases.