Photo: Tobias 67, via Wikimedia Commons License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Kentucky coffeetree

Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K.Koch

Family: Fabaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

seeds (NC State Plant Toolbox, poison part), fruits and pod pulp (NC State Plant Toolbox), leaves (NC State Plant Toolbox)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular pulse, coma (listed by NC State), NC State warns that the pod pulp between the seeds can be mistaken for the sweet, non-toxic pulp of honey locust., NC State notes that the sweet, soft pod pulp between the seeds of Gymnocladus dioicus can be mistaken for the non-toxic pulp of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos); this is a mix-up warning, not an eating instruction, the seeds and leaves of Kentucky coffeetree are poisonous.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Dogs, cats, humans and livestock: NC State says the leaves, seeds and pulp are poisonous to livestock, humans and pets, and its problem list includes cats, dogs and children. The University of Kentucky note says the leaves and seeds are reported to be poisonous. Oregon State says the seeds have toxic properties. Treat every part of the pod as unsafe for pets and children.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3 to 8 per Utah State TreeBrowser; Hardy to USDA 3 per Oregon State
Light: Full sun.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 60 to 80 ft tall and 40 to 55 ft wide (18 to 24 m tall, 12 to 17 m wide). Oregon State: 40 to 50 ft tall (12 to 15 m).
Where it comes from: NC State: southeastern Canada (Ontario) and the central and eastern United States, in moist rich woods, wooded hillsides and floodplains. Oregon State: from New York and Pennsylvania to southwestern Ontario and Minnesota, south to Nebraska, Oklahoma and Tennessee; not native to Oregon.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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