What is a Kentucky coffee tree?

The Kentucky coffee tree is large tree that grows from 60 to 100 feet in height. It has a short trunk that is divided into several large branches ending in twigs. The Kentucky coffee tree has twice-compound leaves arranged in three to seven pairs of leaflets.

The Kentucky coffee tree is found in the American Midwest. It grows near moisture in woods and flood plains and along creek banks and produces green-white flowers that bloom in May. Both male and female flowers bloom on the same tree. The fruit is a flat pod with pulp between its seeds; these seeds turn olive-brown when the pulp dries. The Kentucky coffee tree's leaves, seeds and pulp are poisonous.