Coffee Tree - KentuckyGymnocladus dioicus The Kentucky Coffee Tree is a Midwest native known for its striking large compound leaves that transition to bright yellow in the fall. In June, it produces fragrant white flowers, and female trees develop large reddish brown pods that ripen in October and remain through winter. While its beans can be roasted to create a coffee like, caffeine free drink, they are toxic when raw and should never be consumed fresh from the tree.