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Kentucky Coffeetree Seeds (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Kentucky Coffeetree Seeds (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Kentucky Coffeetree Seeds (Gymnocladus dioicus)

Rustic beauty. Frontier tough.

Gymnocladus dioicus, the Kentucky Coffeetree, is a bold, architectural native tree with rugged bark, stout branches, and tropical-looking bipinnate leaves. Once used by pioneers as a coffee substitute (though toxic when raw), its seeds carry a rich frontier history. With its open canopy, striking seed pods, and adaptability to poor soils, the Coffeetree stands as a conversation piece and a legacy tree.

Why Choose Kentucky Coffeetree?

  • Native to the central & eastern U.S. – A true piece of American woodland heritage
  • Frontier history – Seeds once brewed as a coffee substitute by pioneers
  • Rugged & adaptable – Tolerates drought, urban pollution, and poor soils
  • Ornamental appeal – Tropical-like foliage and long decorative seed pods
  • Wildlife value – Provides shade and habitat while enriching biodiversity

Growing Details

  • Botanical Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
  • Stratification: Scarify + 30–60 days cold stratification
  • USDA Zones: 3–8
  • Soil: Deep, well-drained preferred; tolerates clay, sand, and rocky soils
  • Light: Full sun
  • Height: 60–75 feet
  • Spread: 40–50 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

FAQ

Are the seeds edible?
Raw seeds are toxic and should not be consumed. Historically, roasted seeds were used as a coffee substitute.

How fast does it grow?
Moderately fast—expect 1–2 feet of growth per year under good conditions.

Is this a good urban tree?
Yes. It thrives in compacted, polluted soils where other trees struggle.


Evergreen Seed Co. Promise: Each seed packet is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full germination instructions—trusted by growers nationwide for quality and resilience.

FAQ

Do you pre-stratify the seeds?

Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.

True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.

Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)

Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.

These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.

Do you ship internationally?

We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.

If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.


Shipping & What's Included

Shipping & Packaging

Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags

Stratification and planting instructions included with every order

1 free bonus seed pack included with every order

Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS

Return Policy


Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.



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