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| Leaf Photo by: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
Bark Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
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| Fruit Photo by: Sean Fox |
Tree Photo by: Sean Fox |
Early settlers may have roasted the seeds as a coffee substitute but many parts of the tree are toxic if consumed.
Kentucky coffeetree is an uncommon tree found in only a few locations in southwestern Ontario, but is increasingly planted as a street tree in urban areas. Native stands are protected by its Threatened status under the Endangered Species Act, 2007.
Kentucky coffeetree has the largest leaf of any native tree, up to 90 cm long, but it is doubly compound, and leaflets are small and oval. This tree leafs out very late and in fall, the central stalk of the leaf can persist. Twigs are very thick and stout. The fruit is a large, thick brown pod, also persisting into winter.
Wetland drainage and deforestation, as well as the distance between male and female trees to produce seed, is contributing to the decline of Kentucky coffeetree in Ontario.
Size: Up to 25 m tall
Moisture: Moist to moderately dry
Shade: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
Soil: Prefers deep, rich soils
Planting Tip: If you are interested in planting Kentucky coffeetree as part of the Recovery Strategy, contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk biologist. More tips...
