Garden Plant: Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree
Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree
Product Description: Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree
Great Shade Tree Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree
- Desirable Selection of a Native Tree
- Fast Growing
- Produces Male Flowers, So No Messy, Leathery Seed Pods
- Perfect Specimen or Along the Driveway
- Pretty, Caramel-Colored New Growth
- Lovely Gold Fall Color
- Reduced Winter Cleanup
- Develops into Well-Branched Tree While Young
- Large, Blue-Green, Fine-Textured Leaves
- Hard Wood
- Low Maintenance
- Disease and Insect Free
You’ll appreciate the easy-care and fast growth rate of Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica \’McKBranched’). This is a very desirable selection of one of our special native trees. Decaf is a sport of the native Coffeetree and can be widely grown from Zones 3 – 8.
This tree grows quickly into a nice size for modern landscapes. With its softly textured leaves and thick, heavy branches, it makes an excellent shade tree.
The species is well-known for not producing fine branches. Native Kentucky Coffeetree has a very distinctive look, and it’s certainly easier to clean up after it in the wintertime. Huge, alternate bipinnately compound leaves make fall cleanup a snap, too.
Decaf consistently produces more buds and fine branches at a young age. You still get the overall easy winter convenience and storm resistance of a Coffeetree, but can also enjoy a well-branched tree right off the bat.
New leaflets emerge in spring as a pretty caramel-color. Summertime brings mid-toned green. And the fall color is a nice, golden-yellow that glows in the setting sun. The bold profile in winter adds interest.
The species tree produces thick, leathery pods with large seeds. Settlers used to dry and grind them for a coffee alternative. Decaf produces only male flowers, so there are no seed pods. You’ll have to hit your local coffee house instead, darn!
Go Decaf for a great shade tree that really works for modern landscapes.
How to Use Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree in the Landscape
Decaf is durable, charming, speedy and beautiful. It’s also a little easier to live with than other shade trees.
The male selection can be used as a street tree, even in urban conditions. Plant several to create a nice shady drive to enjoy. Use a straight line, or create a long and winding road with a gentle zig-zag.
Try a mixed street planting! You’ll see these popping up in high-end neighborhoods these days. Use an alternating planting pattern, and vary the species to increase biodiversity. An example pattern might be alternating three Decaf, followed by three Bald Cypress, followed by three Northern Catalpa and then repeat.
If you want the canopies to grow together and touch, plant Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree 35 feet apart. Measure from trunk to trunk. Or, vary the spacing from 35 to 50 feet apart, and stagger the rows into an informal grouping.
A single tree will be a wonderful addition to your landscape. Plant on the south or west side of your lot to keep you cool and lower your utility bills.
You can also add Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree to Rain Gardens to filter water runoff from roofs and streets. After all, this special tree flourishes in wetlands.
Pro Plant Tips for Care
For best results, plant your Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree in full sun. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Plant it in just about any kind of soil, including sandy, clay, wet or acidic. It is widely adaptable, but will prefer to be kept moist. Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis.
Prune in winter or early spring. Trim broken branches and open up the interior of the canopy to sunlight and air circulation.
This rare tree is destined for a comeback. Municipalities across the country are including Decaf in their urban planning whenever they can. No seeds means that it won’t become invasive. Order the beautiful, first-rate Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree today!