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Kentucky Coffee Tree

Gymnocladus dioicus, Fabaceae

Zones
3–8
Layer
Canopy
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

Shade ProviderNitrogen Fixer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)

Water

LowModerate

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

SweetfernComptonia peregrina
Nitrogen Fixation
Common BeanPhaseolus vulgaris
Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant
Red OakQuercus rubra
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect HabitatNutrient Accumulation

Antagonistic Plants

Silver MapleAcer saccharinum

Kentucky coffee tree's allelopathic compounds and extensive root system can inhibit silver maple growth in floodplain plantings

Uses

Functions

TimberNitrogen Fixation

Common Questions

What zones does Kentucky Coffee Tree grow in?

Kentucky Coffee Tree grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8.

Is Kentucky Coffee Tree a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Kentucky Coffee Tree is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Kentucky Coffee Tree?

Good companions for Kentucky Coffee Tree include Sweetfern, Common Bean, Red Oak.

Design guilds with Kentucky Coffee Tree and see companion relationships visually.

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