Pronounced (approximate): jim-noh-KLAY-dus dye-oh-EE-kus
A large native tree with coarse, scaly bark, bold branches, and thick seed pods on female trees. Its enormous leaves are divided twice into many leaflets.
Kentucky Coffeetree bark. Select the photo to open the gallery.
Family Fabaceae (pea family)
Growth form Deciduous tree
Height Often 60–80 feet
Blooms Late spring to early summer
Habitat Rich woods, floodplains, and stream valleys; also planted in parks
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Look in rich, moist woods and floodplains, as well as planted landscapes. Bark and branch structure are useful year-round; persistent pods are especially noticeable on leafless female trees.
Use several features together. A tree without pods may be male, so the absence of fruit does not rule out Kentucky Coffeetree. Check bark, branching, and leaf structure rather than relying on a single feature.
The rough bark has pronounced ridges with curling, scaly edges. Compare close-up texture with the larger trunk and branching pattern.
Leaves can reach about three feet long and are divided into many oval leaflets. Clusters of greenish-white flowers appear near branch tips; male and female flowers usually occur on separate trees.
Female trees develop leathery pods about 5–10 inches long, containing large, hard seeds. Pods ripen brown and may hang on after the leaves fall. Seeds and pod pulp are toxic; do not eat them.
16 field photographs showing bark, leaves, seed pods, and tree form. Select a photograph to enlarge it and browse the slideshow; use Load more photos to reveal the rest.
Native to southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States, including the Midwest. Also planted beyond its natural range.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
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