Gymnocladus dioicus |
Native Region: East North America
Zone Range: 4-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun; deep well draining average soil.
Harvest Date: Thursday 10 January, 2013
Seed count: 8-10
Description:
Rare Carolinian deciduous forest tree. The doubly compound leaves are the largest in North America. Very handsome and robust plant that from a distance looks like wisteria growing up a branched support. Because of the open form, the branches are not prone to breakage in heavy snow. Pest free. Casts very light shade; does not harm your lawn. Grows to 20 meters tall by 10 meters wide. Some people recommend using the powdered leaves as a nibbling pest deterent.
Notes:
Gendered species. The germination requirements sound difficult, but it isn't. One of the funkiest plants I grow. Very rewarding. Species on decline since its primary seed dispersers, the mastadon and ground sloths, became extinct. Don't plant near the driveway as the heavy pods can do some damage when the come down. Seedlings enter dormancy after a couple of months after sprouting...they are not dead!
Cultivation:
Break dormancy: has 2 seed coats; file away primary seed coat (green) in sections until black secondary is seen; soak 24 hours; hard green seed coat peels away like bad varnish while black secondary seed coat swells 2-3 times original size; sow 2 cm deep flat side down; keep moist. Germinate at 30 C days, 20 C nights. Days to germ: 5-30.
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