Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus dioicus
The Kentucky Coffee tree prefers a rich moist soil, such as that found in bottom lands. Its growth is largely unaffected by heat, cold, drought, insects, disease, road salt, ice, and alkaline soil. The common name refers to either the resemblance of its seeds to coffee beans or the use of roasted seeds by pioneers in making a substitute for coffee; however, unroasted pods and seeds are toxic. It is the only species of its genus in North America; there is one other Gymnocladus spp. in China.