Digging deeperPlant Library

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

A stately large shade tree with massive yet delicate compound leaves; a seedless cultivar; rather coarse outline when young and when bare in winter, but very attractive when in leaf; tolerant of adverse growing conditions; for larger landscapes

Ornamental Features

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The large bipinnately compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The rough dark brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 35 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 90 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.