94 Native Trees of Kentucky 



PEA FA/WILY Leguminosae, 



The Leguminosae or Pea family is one of great size, wide 

 distribution and economic importance. It includes all plants bear- 

 ing" a two-valved pod and is the only family whose members have 

 the power of obtaining free nitrogen from the air to fertilize the 

 soil. Five genera represent the pod-bearing trees in Kentucky : 



A. Genus Robinia Locust. 



B. Genus Gleditsia Honey Locust. 



C. Genus Gymnocladus Kentucky Coffee Tree. 



D. Genus Cladrastis Yellow Wood. 



E. Genus Cercis Redbud. 

 They are characterized by 



1. Leaves alternate, pinnately compound, except in Cercis. 



2. Flowers in showy, pendent racemes. 



3. Fruit long, decorative pods. 



