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.

Description

Height: 50-60 ft.
Width: 30-40 ft.
Shape: Round, Vase shaped
Flower Color: Greenish-White
Flowering Time: June
Fall Color: Yellow
Features: Vertical accent, coarse textured foliage, interesting bark
Exposure: Full Sun
Watering: Moderate & Regular, Drought tolerant once established
Soil: Tolerant of a wide range of soils conditions, tolerates alkaline soil
Growth Rate: Slow
USDA Zones: 3-8
Uses: Street tree, shade tree, lawn tree, urban landscapes, large landscapes, wildlife tree, xeriscaping
Similar Trees: Prairie Titan™ Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘J.C. McDaniel’), Decaf™ Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘McKBranched’)

Additional information

Shape

Rounded, Vase

Flower Color

Greenish-White

Flowering Time

June

Fall Color

Yellow

Growth Rate

Slow

Uses

Large Landscapes, Lawn Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree, Urban Landscapes, Wildlife Tree, Xeriscaping

USDA Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Mature Height

50'+

Mature Width

30'-40'

Exposure

Full Sun

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