The Kentucky coffee tree is native to areas of North America and enjoys protected status in Ontario. Currently, the species enjoys wide popularity, and, hopefully, widespread production will help remove it from the endangered species list. Jeopardized by deforestation, the tree has benefited from a government program to increase its population.
Additionally, Kentucky coffee trees show great resilience to drought, pollution, and other modern challenges to the environment. These trees make a great selection for public spaces such as botanical gardens and golf courses.
Does the Kentucky Coffee Tree Grow Quickly?
Native to areas of North America, the Kentucky coffee tree grows relatively slowly. However, it reaches impressive heights of 70 feet or higher. Its blue green leaves provide light, shade, and the tree holds up to adverse conditions such as the following:
- Dry climates
- Alkaline soil
- Salt content in soil
Dutchmaster Nurseries is a wholesale nursery offering Kentucky coffee trees in our catalogue.
Are Kentucky Coffee Trees Messy?
Kentucky coffee trees drop leaves, seedpods, and leaflets throughout the year. Additionally, the seeds and pulp are toxic to livestock and humans. Therefore, property owners should wear gloves and take other precautions when performing yard maintenance near these impressive trees.
How Fast Does a Kentucky Coffee Tree Grow?
It takes Kentucky coffee trees many years to reach their mature height of 70 feet or higher. The growth rate ranges from 12 to 24 inches depending on many factors, such as the location of the tree and amount of rainfall.
Are Kentucky Coffee Trees Poisonous to Dogs?
The bark and foliage of the tree are not safe to consume, and the roots contain high levels of saponins that sometimes result in seizures or irregular heart rates. It’s important to keep dogs and pets from chewing on the roots, bark or other parts of the tree.
Do Deer Eat Kentucky Coffee Trees?
This unusual tree species has probably been on the North American continent for many millennia. Squirrels and deer sometimes eat the pods of the Kentucky coffee tree. However, millions of years ago, extinct species such as mastodons, giant sloths, and other large mammals most likely dispersed its seeds across the continent.
While we haven’t been around as long as the Kentucky coffee tree, Dutchmaster Nurseries has served commercial clients in Ontario for over 50 years. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have regarding our selection of Kentucky coffee trees.
Contact Dutchmaster Nurseries to ask any questions you may have on our extensive inventory of trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Check out our blog for advice and information on a plethora of tree selection and planting topics in Ontario.