Is Kentucky coffee tree poisonous to dogs or cats?

Kentucky coffee tree

  • Scientific Name: Gymnocladus dioicus
  • Also Known As: Kentucky coffee tree
  • Is It Toxic? Yes
  • Toxins: Cytisine (nicotinic alkaloid)
  • Symptoms: Hypertension, mydriasis, seizures; weakness, paralysis, coma, respiratory paralysis
  • Toxic Parts:
  • General:

If you have a pet, you may be wondering if the Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is poisonous to them. In addition to the potential risk of overdose, the toxin in both fruits and seeds of the Kentucky coffee plant can cause hypertension, mydriasis, seizures, weakness, paralysis, coma, respiratory paralysis in pets. If you think your pet has ingested anything from the Kentucky coffee tree, please contact an emergency veterinary service.

What is Kentucky coffee tree?

The common names of Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) include Kentucky coffee, coffee tree, coffee bean, and bean tree. Gymnocladus dioicus is a legume tree that is native to the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. It is cultivated as an ornamental tree for its beautiful bluish-green leaves.