Coffeetree

Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus, Fabaceae) is a slow-growing deciduous tree from southeastern Canada and the central to eastern United States, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 40 to 55 feet. It has among the largest compound leaves of any tree: bipinnately compound, up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The tree is dioecious, with greenish-white fragrant flowers in May to June. Reddish-brown seed pods persist through winter.

Coffeetree grows in full sun on moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0 to 8.0) and tolerates drought and urban conditions, hardy in Zones 3a to 8b. The crown is oval to open and irregular. The unroasted pods contain the alkaloid cytisine and are poisonous to humans and animals. The cultivar 'Espresso' (male, seedless) is the primary selection. Growth is slow.