If you’re looking for a robust, ‘climate-smart’ tree that will cope with the weather extremes the US has experienced in recent years, look no further than the Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus). Not only does it offer superb ornamental value through all the seasons, but it also copes with dry, wet and freezing conditions.
With its spreading oval to round crown, and huge, fern-like leaves, the Kentucky coffeetree is a great tree for shade, offering a dramatic shade canopy in summer. The leaves, often growing up to three feet long, are briefly tinged pink in spring, turning bluish green. In fall, the eye-catching purplish brown seed pods contrast beautifully with the foliage as it turns golden. The pods persist on the tree for most of winter.
