Kentucky Coffee Tree Bonsai
The plant grows best in moist well drained soil that s rich in organic matter.
Kentucky coffee tree bonsai. The kentucky coffeetree gymnocladus dioicus is a tree in the subfamily caesalpinioideae of the pea family fabaceae native to the midwest and upper south of north america the seed may be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee beans. Has large ovalish irregular leaves. Blooms white flowers and then produces cherries. As the cherries ripen from green to red they are harvested de pulped dried and milled.
Found on moist wooded ravines and bottomland areas. However unroasted pods and seeds are toxic. Kentucky coffeetree gymnocladus dioicus is a medium sized tree with very coarse heavy upright branches which give it a naked appearance in the winter months kentucky coffeetree is not related to coffee shrubs although it was used as a substitute for coffee by early settlers but is a legume like honey locust and black locust. Berea bonsai studio of berea ky also provide an accessible introduction to the art of bonsai through our workshops and open studio sessions.
The kentucky coffeetree is native to the central states of america from pennsylvania to nebraska and from minnesota to oklahoma. At one time the kentucky coffeetree was the designated state tree. It occurs throughout kentucky but is most common in open woods in the bluegrass. The wood from the tree is used by cabinetmakers and carpenters it is planted as a street tree.
It s also a tough tree holding up well to dry conditions alkaline soil and even a bit of salt. The common name comes from the seeds being used by pioneers as a coffee substitute. Kentucky coffeetree has bipinnately compound leaves that can reach up 36 in length and 24 in width but the. It offers finely divided blue green leaves that cast light shade.
In earlier times its wood was used in the construction of railway sleeper cars. I have a coffee tree that i was given two years ago and it is now about 4 years old. Native to areas of north america kentucky coffee tree is a relatively slow grower that eventually reaches 70 feet tall or so. May also be known as american coffee berry and kentucky mahogany.
Shows events we offer many opportunities locally and throughout kentucky where you can learn about bonsai creation and care buy artistically grown bonsais or pre bonsais. I have not repotted it but was wondering if i could move it to a shallow pot in the spring to begin training it as a bonsai. It is approx a foot tall. Kentucky coffeetree has the largest leaves of any tree found in eastern north america.
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