Why Plant Kentucky Coffeetree?
A capital perching tree, Kentucky Coffee Tree will give your backyard birds a fine vantage point from which to survey the land. This noble native grows tall and vase-shaped; it makes an excellent replacement for the majestic Ash Trees that have been decimated by the emerald Ash borer in recent years. Coffee Tree’s huge leaves are composed of dozens of small leaflets that create a pool of dappled shade under the tree—you’ll find this the perfect spot for growing shade-loving plants that provide additional wildlife habitat. In late spring, hummingbirds may visit the greenish-white flowers on female trees.
Coffee anyone? The Kentucky Coffee Tree gives off a tropical vibe, though it’s native to the U.S. This majestic tree is found throughout the Lower Midwest, but only in isolated patches. It gets its name from the fact that settlers used to roast and grind its seeds to make a coffee substitute. The roasting was an important step, because the seeds are toxic if eaten raw. It’s doubtful that the Coffee Tree drink tasted any good, because once the settlers had access to the real thing, they never made it again. Coffee Tree is a dioecious plant, which means that male flowers and female flowers are found on separate trees. Only female trees produce seeds.
How to use Kentucky Coffeetree in the landscape?
Kentucky Coffee Tree is one of the last trees to leaf out in the spring, so be patient! When the foliage does emerge, it’s a bright pink color, maturing to a cool blue-green. In fall, the leaflets turn a wonderful radiant yellow, while the leaf stems take on hot pink tones.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
How To Plant Kentucky Coffeetree
Looking for an easy-to-please shade tree? Kentucky Coffee Tree is simple to grow and forgiving of harsh conditions. Give it a site in full sun. Deep, loamy soils on the alkaline side suit it best, but this tree tolerates poor soil. It can also handle extreme heat and humidity, winter lows to -30°F, de-icing salts, and air pollution! Coffee Trees have no major pest or disease issues to worry about.
How To Water
Water regularly after initial planting. Once established, they are more tolerant of drought conditions, reducing your hand-watering responsibilities.
How To Fertilize
When initially planting your Kentucky Coffee Tree, you should fertilize with the Bower & Branch Elements Starter Plant Food. After that, fertilizing in early spring each year is best! This way, your tree is getting the nutrients it needs for a healthy growing season!
How To Prune
Young trees will have very little branching so no pruning will be needed; however, suckers may appear from the roots from time to time and should be pulled out.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
