True Root Nursery

Kentucky Coffeetree Seedling Bareroot

Species: Gymnocladus dioicus

History: Kentucky Coffeetrees are native to the southernmost parts of Ontario and the midwestern United States. Despite its fairly large range, it is relatively rare today likely due to evolutionary anachronism. It is believed Kentucky Coffeetrees co-evolved with megafauna that are now extinct, so previously beneficial traits like the thick leathery pod around its seeds now hinder seed dispersal. Indigenous peoples have used the tree as a source of food by roasting the seeds and making a coffee-like drink, and the seeds have also been used as pieces in games and to make jewellery. Nowadays, the tree is planted ornamentally in urban areas.

Why We Grow It: This nitrogen-fixing, Carolinian tree produces seeds that may be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, but be aware the raw seeds are toxic! This tree boasts the largest leaves of any native tree, and it's considered a threatened species. 

    $13.00

    Size:

    8 low in stock

    Fruit Traits:

    Recommended Use: Fixing nitrogen, coffee substitute

    Fruit Size:

    Storage: Seeds store well in the fridge

    Harvest: September - Late

    Cider Class (if applicable):

    Tree Traits:

    Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

    Soil Preferance: Prefers rich loam but is adaptable to different soils

    Flowering Time:

    Bloom Colour:

    Pollination Requirements: Self-pollinating

    Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

    General Growth Habit: Tree reaches 18-21m tall. Generally free of disease and insect issues. Seeds are ripe anytime after the pods turn tan, pods will drop naturally in late winter and early spring.

    Overall Disease Resistance Rating*:

    *this rating is combined with our experience growing in our test orchards combined with already available information on the cultivar.

    Shipping: Every year we ship thousands of plants across Canada. We carefully bag roots in damp sawdust, then box them and send them out via courier. CLICK HERE to see our shipping policy.

    Pick-up: We also have thousands of trees picked up from our nursery each year. The pick-up options is free, though you must wait until you have been emailed a confirmation that your order is ready to pick up, which will have further information such as hours, locations, etc.

    We have simplified our crop inventory for grafted fruit trees into two sizes:

    1m+ Grade: this often has some feathering, and is measured including the rootstock.

    50-80cm Grade: this is like a 'b-grade' tree, sometimes with minor scaring or bent, these trees are priced accordingly.

    Kentucky Coffeetree Seedling

    Kentucky Coffeetree Seedling Bareroot

    $13.00

    $13.00

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