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Chinese Coffee Tree Gymnocladus chinensis

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
jim-no-KLAD-us chy-NEN-sis
Description

Chinese Coffee Tree is a deciduous small tree native to China in the bean family. This tree is nearly extinct in China and has been placed on a watch list. It will grow 15 to 30 feet tall and wide with an irregular to rounded crown. The information found regarding growing this tree is variable. However many agree it is only hardy to zone 7 or 8 and needs protection from cold winds.

This slow-growing tree has huge bipinnately compound leaves that emerge purple and then turn green.  In the fall they have showy bright yellow leaves.  They cast a light shade so make a great tree to have under canopy plantings.  Being in the legume family, it fixes nitrogen and tolerates poor soil. Plant in full sun. Flowering is best in warm summer areas. Can be used as a shade tree

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#shade tree#full sun tolerant#small spaces#purple leaves#slow growing#large leaves#fall interest#nitrogen fixation#deciduous tree#fall color yellow
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#small tree#shade tree#full sun tolerant#small spaces#purple leaves#slow growing#large leaves#fall interest#nitrogen fixation#deciduous tree#fall color yellow
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gymnocladus
    Species:
    chinensis
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The beans are boiled and used for making soap. Wood is used in cabinet making.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China
    Edibility:
    Legumes are edible if cooked to remove the saponins
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    5.5 to 10-inch-long legumes
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pale yellow-white with a tinge of purple flowers in pendulous racemes. Dioecious so both male and female plants are needed to produce fruits.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large bipinnately compound leaves start out purple and turn green with 8-12 alternate leaflets. Both surfaces are silky pubescent. Leaflets are 8-10 inches
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Lenticels
    Bark Description:
    Gey/brown bark with conspicuous whitish lenticels
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Young stems are purple green
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Small Space
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Small Tree
    Street Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Poor Soil