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 with stout branches, rugged bark, and tropical-looking bipinnate leaves. Once used by pioneers as a coffee substitute, its seeds are steeped in history—though toxic raw, they're a conversation starter in any landscape.
Native to the central and eastern U.S.
Tolerates drought, pollution, and poor soils—ideal for tough urban or rural sites
Open, sculptural canopy provides dappled shade
Long seed pods add ornamental and historical interest
Botanical Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
Stratification: Scarify + 30–60 days cold stratification
USDA Zones: 3–8
Soil: Deep, well-drained soils preferred, but highly adaptable
Light: Full sun
Height: 60–75 feet
Spread: 40–50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Plant it for legacy and resilience—rugged, rare, and unmistakably American.
FAQ
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 & 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
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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