Kentucky Coffeetree

Basic Landscape Attributes

Height Range:

60-75 ft. height

Fall Colors:

Large, blue-green, doubly-compound leaves, Yellow in fall

Width Range:

40-50 ft. spread

Flower Type:

Produces pyramidal clusters of greenish-white flowers Flowers of the female trees have a rose-like fragrance

Shape:

Oval to vase shape

History of
the Tree Species

Native to central America from PA to NE and MN to OK
Early Kentucky settlers noticed the seeds resembled coffee beans, hence its name
Wood once used in construction of railway sleeper cars
Was the state tree of Kentucky from 1976 to 1994

Grows best in full sun
Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet, and clay soils
Tolerates wet soil
Extreme drought tolerance

Seeds contain toxic saponins and hydrocyanic acid that can be eliminated via proper roasting (>3 hrs at 150°c)
Roasted seeds can be eaten like sweet chestnuts, and pulp is sweet and caramel-like in flavor
Roasted seeds also act as a caffeine-free stand-in for coffee
Pulverized root bark used as enema
Tea made from bark is a diuretic and used to treat coughs from inflamed mucous membranes and speed up labor
Snuff made from pulverized root bark used to induce sneezing in comatose patients
Tea made from leaves and pulp from pods are laxatives and have been used to treat reflex issues

Location on tree on Shelby Ave: