Wilderness Kentucky Coffee Tree

The Wilderness Kentucky Coffee Tree grows on the Virginia Civil War battlefield known as the Wilderness. On May 2, 1863, Confederate general "Stonewall" Jackson and his commander, Robert E. Lee, achieved a brilliant victory against Union troops. As a result of wounds received during the battle, Jackson's arm was amputated and buried near the battlefield on the morning of May 3. Due to blood loss and shock, Jackson eventually succumbed to pneumonia and died May 10. The Kentucky coffee tree is known for its distinct 4-to-7-inch-long seed pods. The roasted seeds were eaten by Native Americans and used by early settlers as a coffee substitute. Raw seeds were considered poisonous!

Ohio · United States