Americas Native
The Kentucky coffee tree is a native plant of America and is in the Fabaceae or pea family. This tree is resilient and can adapt well to harsh conditions. In the early years, the tree’s wood was famous for making wooden railway wagon-lits or sleepers because of the toughness.
In the modern-day, the Kentucky tree is popular in parks, streets pathway, and golf courses. It’s also a decorative plant that enhances the appeal of your lawns and is a picturesque beauty with rising branches that assemble in a crown-like shape. That’s just a brief history of the Kentucky coffee tree.
We’ll have an in-depth look at the Kentucky coffee tree, its various uses, and everything you need to know in our discussion.
Origins of the Kentucky Tree
As the name suggests, the settlers discovered the Kentucky coffee tree in Kentucky. The early colonists roasted the Kentucky seeds and made coffee substitutes.
Likewise, the natives used the trees to make medicine for fighting mental illnesses. They would make counters for playing games such as dice during their pastime. The tree is also found in other states such as Michigan, Georgia, Dakotas, and Alabama, where it grows naturally.
The Seeds, Bark, Leaves, and Flowers
The buds are sunken inside a twig and rarely noticeable. The seeds are safe when cooked and can be toxic to people and animals when consumed raw. But, the seeds to prepare the caffeine-free product. The seed pods measure approximately five inches, and a thick gum holds the seeds inside the husk. They look like small nickels but are oval-shaped and thick. Due to their toxicity, the natives used the seeds to fish.
During spring and summer, the tree is a fascinating beauty with flowers and leaves blossoming under the sun. In winter, the branches have a withering look, and the leaves are dead.
Sometimes, this tree sheds seed pods, rachis, and leaflets that can litter streets and compounds during fall. But worry not; even after shedding the leaves, the Kentucky coffee tree has a beautiful silhouette. A mature tree has a dark-brown bark and features a scaly appearance. It also has rounded edges, and the flowers form large and extended clusters.
Kentucky Coffee Tree is Eco-Friendly
The Kentucky coffee tree is adaptable and grows in large cities of the US, and is pollution-resistant. It provides a calm ambiance in lawns and other large places. The canopy spreads evenly to provide a cool shade underneath.
Upon reaching maturity, it can be as high as 75 feet with a width of 40 feet. If you have a large compound, you can relax under its shade and probably beat the afternoon slump with a cup of coffee as you enjoy the fresh air.
Tough and Resilient
The Kentucky coffee tree is drought-resistant and can grow in a wide variety of soils. It has a reputation of strength and grows in different soil types such as loamy, acidic, sandy, and alkaline. It also does well in perfectly drained areas, and whereas it grows in wet soils, it can tolerate pests and pathogen attacks.
If you intend to plant in your farm or compound, provide sufficient sun, rich soil, and enough moisture. It’s a fast-growing tree; however, it takes time to pick up after plantation. After it passes this stage, the tree is a brilliant addition to your other plants.
It would be best to be patient with this tree as the leaves take time to flourish during spring. The dormancy period extends for some time after the winter. Therefore, this explains why it’s also referred to as the stump tree.
Decorative Purposes
Some people use the Kentucky coffee tree for landscaping purposes. It’s a tall tree with green leaves, but in winter, they turn yellow. The flowers are green and white with highlights of burgundy, which is noticeable during mid-year. Some people use the Kentucky coffee tree for landscaping purposes.
In Michigan, the tree grows in the floodplains naturally with little or less human intervention. However, it’s a popular street tree in some areas, especially if the conditions are so favorable.
It’s also a popular tree in Barton Hills and South Boulevard, where the tree forms an elegant alee. At the president’s house at Michigan University, you’ll find the tree on the lawn.
Because of the incredible height, the tree offers a splendid view along the streets, especially during winter when the leaves have fallen.
Other Uses of Kentucky Coffee Tree
The bark of the Kentucky coffee tree has medicinal value. It can treat coughs and is used in emergencies during labor. In other instances, it’s used by doctors to awaken patients in a coma. Sometimes the leaves, including the pod pulp, can make medicinal tea to treat reflex conditions.
The fruit is suitable for making soap, and leaves can eliminate flies. Another interesting fact about this tree is the seeds can be baked for consumption.
The pulp has a sweet taste with tinges of caramel, whereas the seeds are bitter and are caffeine-free. Thus, they are mostly used as coffee substitutes. Since the seeds are poisonous, they are only edible after roasting for three hours under a temperature of 150 degrees centigrade, which helps to eliminate the poison.
Dangers
The seeds, when ripe, are known to contain a toxic acid, and even though they are poisonous, they pose no harm after consumption. It’s advisable to roast the seeds under high temperatures as heat can break down these elements.
Also, they have saponins that shouldn’t be consumed in large amounts. Saponins compounds are also poisonous to certain animal species like fish.
Unique Kentucky Coffee Tree
Without a doubt, a Kentucky coffee tree is a plant of every season. It brings calmness to homes and nature in the urban cities of the US. The tree has unique growing habits and can adapt well in all seasons. The branches ascend to form a wide canopy and a thin crown. This tree adds beauty to your lawns and large compound. We applaud the Kentucky tree, and if you are as patient as an ox, you can plant it and enjoy the benefits in the future.
