Gymnocladus

Gymnocladus dioicus - Kentucky coffee-tree

 

The Kentucky coffee-tree is native to the eastern parts of North America. It is fairly rare in the wild, usually appearing as single trees in mixed forest. It is a remarkable sight, with strong limbs and large doubly pinnate compound leaves made up of small leaflets. The European pioneers are said to have used the roasted beans as a coffee substitute, although they are poisonous and unpleasant to the taste, at least when fresh.