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Omaha tree guide

Kentucky coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Nebraska Forest Service calls Kentucky coffeetree a native tree suitable throughout Nebraska and an alternative to ash and elm.

Sources checked: 2026-08-02Next source review: 2027-02-02Independent professional review: not completed

What this page can tell you

How to recognize this kind of tree

This profile is Kentucky coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus.

These species-level facts cannot diagnose the condition of one particular tree, prove that work is needed, or determine whether it is hazardous.

What to look for

  • Very large compound foliage, an open winter silhouette, and thick dark seed pods can help compare this profile; pods may be absent on a male tree.
  • Nebraska Forest Service lists a typical mature height of 40–60 feet and spread of 30–50 feet.

What changes by season

Use whatever features are available now. Missing leaves, flowers, fruit, or pods often just means the timing is wrong—not that the tree cannot be a match.

When leaves are on

Compare alternate leaves or buds staggered along the twig, several leaflets on one shared stem, and very large compound leaves. Use more than one feature and do not force a match from leaf shape alone.

When leaves are off or hard to see

Compare rough or scaly bark, an open or irregular tree, and a narrower upright tree. Bark and overall shape can help narrow it down, but neither confirms the species by itself.

When fruit or seeds are present

thick dark pods can provide another useful clue. Not seeing them may simply reflect season, age, sex, or variety.

Typical mature size

Nebraska Forest Service lists a typical mature height of 40–60 feet and spread of 30–50 feet.

Similar Omaha trees

These are the closest lookalikes among the 10 common local trees in this guide. Other species can still look similar.

Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and bark. Check leaf shape and fruit or seeds next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Callery pear (including ‘Bradford’)

Pyrus calleryana

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, overall tree shape, and mature size. Check whether the leaf is simple or compound, leaf shape, and bark next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Important Omaha-area context

Nebraska Forest Service states that leaves, seeds, and pulp are toxic to people, pets, and livestock; do not consume them.

This does not prove that a particular tree is infested, diseased, structurally unsound, or in need of removal.

What to consider for an individual tree

A missing pod or late spring leaf-out is not by itself evidence of decline; use multiple available traits.

Confirm cultivar, mature size, and site fit before planting.

Sources