This large plant is particularly useful for planting near windows. This plant's gaunt habit during the winter allows light passage while the foliage blocks sunlight during the summer months. This urban-tolerant plant also tolerates restricted root space and poor soils. Kentucky coffeetree is slow growing early and faster after 10 years. Service life is 30 years.
Young plants are generally pyramidal, becoming broader and less regular in habit with age.
The 1-inch diameter fruit may be a litter problem. Fall color ranges on a single plant from primrose to a deep wine. Some of the southern selections such as 'Burgundy,' 'Festival' and 'Palo Alto' are not cold-hardy in Ohio. Plants are tolerant of restricted soil space. Service life is 25 years.