Quick answer: Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is native to 15 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Deep, rich, moist sandy loams or silty clays |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun |
| Height | 75-100 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Bicolored and Bisected honey locust moths |
Raw seeds poisonous (roasted seeds historically used as coffee substitute)
none noted; threatened/endangered in parts of range (SW Ontario, NY State), naturalizes elsewhere but not flagged invasive
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Kentucky coffeetree
Where is Kentucky coffeetree native?
Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is native to 15 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Kentucky coffeetree bloom?
Kentucky coffeetree blooms Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Kentucky coffeetree need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Dry-Moist. Soil: Deep, rich, moist sandy loams or silty clays. Mature height: 75-100 ft tall.
Is Kentucky coffeetree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Bicolored and Bisected honey locust moths.
Is Kentucky coffeetree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Kentucky coffeetree is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Kentucky coffeetree toxic?
Raw seeds poisonous (roasted seeds historically used as coffee substitute).
Where can I buy real Kentucky coffeetree seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Gymnocladus dioicus on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Kentucky coffeetree.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Common hackberry Celtis occidentalis
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- Nannyberry Viburnum lentago
Also listed under
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