Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Gymnocladus Dioicus

Size:

60'-80' tall by 40'-55' wide

Leaves:

alternate, bipinnately compound, up to 3' long, with 5-9 pairs of leaf-branches, each with 6-14 leaflets, untoothed

Flowers:

small and greenish white, fragrant, in terminal clusters

Fruit:

4"-8" long pod containing seeds embedded in thick layer of sweet greenish pulp that is poisonous to livestock

Fall Interest:

yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun; moist, rich, well-drained soil; adaptable and tolerant of compacted soil

Disease/Insect:

Use:

shade tree, rain garden

Cultivars:

most are male and are less messy, not producing fruit; 'Espresso'

Notes:

Native Americans roasted the seeds for food and for brewing a drink but with no caffeine; raw, the seeds are very toxic; native to Arkansas