The Kentucky coffeetree has been considered threatened in Ontario since 2008 through the Endangered Species Act, due to lack of suitable habitats and poor seed production.
Quick Facts
- Can grow up to 15 – 25 metres tall, and 60 centimetres in diameter
- Leaves are the largest in Canada at
60 – 90 centimetres - Can survive up to 75 years
- Soil: moist, rich soil; however the Kentucky coffeetree can tolerate shallow rocky or sandy soils
- Shade intolerant, often relying on the shade of other trees in its surrounds.
- As the leaves on the tree mature, so do its flowers in late May to late June. The flowers bloom in in a greenish-white colour and give off a rose-like fragrance.
- Roughly 9 months of the year are spent without leaves
- Fruit Production
- Hard, dark and leathery bean-like pods
- Typically 15 – 25 centimetres long with 4 – 7 seeds in them
- Fruit remains on the trees throughout the winter months
For more information about the Kentucky Coffee Tree, click here.