Native Plants

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Friday - December 22, 2006

From: New Melle, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Care and propagation of Kentucky Coffeetree
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I found a tree on our property in Missouri, after some reserch I found that it is a Kentucky Coffee tree. I collected several of the pods and would like to know how I can plant them to grow. Thanks.

ANSWER:

The Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus), a member of the Family Fabaceae (Pea Family), can be found over most of the eastern United States and Canada. It gets its common name from the fact that its seeds were roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Native Americans also had many medicinal uses for the plant. Please be aware that unroasted seeds and other parts of the plant are considered to have low toxicity.