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  5. Kentucky Coffeetree
   

    Kentucky Coffeetree

    Common Name: Kentucky Coffeetree, Kentucky Mahoghany, American Coffeetree
    Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
    Family: Fabaceae

    Etymology

    Gymnocladus comes from gumnos (naked) and kladus (branch), which is in reference to its branches being bare for most of the year as it leaves out very late and drops its leaves early. Dioicus is in reference to it being dioecious, requiring male and female trees.

    Medicinal Uses

    Pulp from the wood was utilized by indigenous communities to treat insanity, and the pulp from the seedpods was used to cure fevers and headaches, but no modern study has been done.

    Indigenous Uses

    Indigenous communities utilized the seed as a source of food once roasted, but it should not be eaten raw as it is toxic in that state.

    Edible Parts

    Research should be done beforehand, as certain parts of the tree are poisonous! As its common name states, the seeds from the coffeetree were initially roasted and utilized as coffee beans during the Civil War. People disagree with what parts of the seed are edible to eat and seed pulp is allegedly toxic to livestock.

    When to Gather

    Seed pods ripen when they turn brown, which occurs in October and the pods persist over winter.

    Permaculture Function and Considerations

    The Kentucky Coffeetree is resistant to drought and tolerant of pollution and soil type and is typically planted for its shade and interesting seedpods. It does its best in full sun but could be grown in partial shade. It does not do well in heavy clay or in locations with standing water.

    Wildlife Support

    Birds may nest in the tree, but due to toxicity, these trees offer no real wildlife support.

    How to Identify

    Leaflets appear as alternate compound leaves, and these leaflets can grow 17-36 inches in length. Buds are silky and the tree flowers in white clusters in early summer. It grows 40-60 feet in height and is utilized as a shade tree. Brown seed pods are 2-10 inches in length and last over the winter. The bark is scaly and dark in appearance, and it is one of the latest trees to have its leaves come out in the spring.

    Additional Information

    Despite being in the pea family, it does not possess the nodules that allow it to fix nitrogen from the air. In Maryland, it is only considered native in Garrett County but thrives when planted elsewhere.

    Sources

     

    Plant profile by Zach Osucha '25