Kentucky Coffeetree

Common Name(s): Kentucky Coffeetree, Coffeetree

Scientific Name: Gymnocladus spp., Gymnocladus dioicus

Distribution: Eastern North America

Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .53, .67

Janka Hardness: 1,390 lbf (6,180 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 10,500 lbf/in2 (72.4 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,420,000 lbf/in2 (9.79 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 6,600 lbf/in2 (45.5 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.1%, Tangential: 7.6%, Volumetric: 11.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Color/Appearance: Heartwood an orange to reddish brown. Yellowish white sapwood is very narrow and well defined against heartwood. Overall appearance and grain pattern similar to ash or oak.

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight and porous, with a coarse, uneven texture.

Endgrain: Ring-porous; 2-4 rows of large earlywood pores, numerous medium to small latewood pores, sometimes clustered, in wavy or tangential arrangement; tyloses absent; growth rings distinct; rays fine and not visible without lens; parenchyma vasicentric, and sometimes aliform (winged and lozenge), confluent, and banded, especially in latewood zones.

Rot Resistance: Reports range from moderately durable to very durable regarding decay resistance, and is reported to fare well in direct ground contact. Reports are mixed on resistance to insect attack.

Workability: Coffeetree has good working characteristics, and nearly every machining operation can be done with good and expected results. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.