TD Tree BeeForests Canada

Vern Wilkins, Indiana University, Bugwood.org

P. Wray, ISU, Bugwood.org

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Kentucky Coffee Tree

Gymnocladus dioicus

Native

Kentucky coffee tree is a medium sized tree that usually grows 15-25 meters tall. It is found in the southern Great Lakes region and New York, south to Oklahoma and Arkansas, and west to Kansas and Nebraska. It prefers rich open, moist lowlands and is often found in floodplains. Kentucky coffee tree hasn't been seen in Canada since before 1950, but it is still used in landscaping outside its natural habitat. The raw seeds are poisonous, but can be roasted to make a substitute for coffee.

Leaf

Twice pinnately-divided leaves with 3-7 pairs of branches on a sturdy central stalk. 30-90 cm long. Usually 70 leaflets.

Fruit/Seed

Reddish-brown, leathery, flat, thick pods. 8-25 cm long. Persist through winter.

Bark

Mature bark dark grey, hard with thin ridges that curl out.

Flower

Greenish-white, 5-petaled flowers. Flowers in clusters, forming in May-June.

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158Species

Kentucky Coffee Tree | Tree Bee