Trade Names:  Kentucky coffeetree, coffee bean, coffeenut

Origin:  North America and the southernmost part of Canada.

Range: Sparsley distributed from southern Ontario and western New Zoak to eastern Nebraska going southward from Oklahoma to Tennessee.

Uses:  Early settlers roasted the seeds as a coffee substitute hence the name was born. It was the state tree of Kentucky until 1994. Used for fence posts, railroad ties, poles and construction material. Also used for decorative furniture as well as veneers for decorative paneling.

Properties:  The wood is moderately strong and hard. Specific gravity is .53. Has an air dryed weight of 40 PCF. The grain is porous, coarse textured and has a medium luster. The timber is durable when in contact with the soil.

Machining:  Works well with all tools.

Seasoning:  Diffucult to season without splitting.