
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.
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')