Kentucky Coffee Tree  is a tall deciduous tree with rough, scaly gray-brown bark and large bipinnate compound leaves. It is native to the Midwest. It grows 60-80’ (less frequently to100’) tall with an irregular open oval to obovate crown. Larger trees typically cast light shade. Greenish white flowers appear in late spring (May-June). Fertilized female flowers give way to flattened reddish brown pods (to 10”long) which ripen in October and persist well into winter. Native Americans and early American settlers, roasted and ground the seeds to brew a coffee-like beverage (albeit no caffeine), hence the common name. Native Americans roasted the seeds for food. Seeds are very toxic prior to roasting, and should never be eaten fresh off the tree.