General Landscape Uses:
Small shrub.
Availability:
Available at native plant nurseries in central Florida.
Description: Small shrub 6-9 feet tall with dark green glossy leaves. Tolerates wet and dry sites. Forms large colonies by suckers.
Dimensions: Typically 6-9 feet in height. Mostly taller than broad.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Range:
Eastern United States south to Manatee, Hardee, and Highlands counties. West to eastern Texas.
Map of select IRC data from peninsular Florida.
Map of suggested ZIP codes from South Florida north to southern Brevard, Osceola, Polk, and Pasco counties.
Habitats: Flatwoods, bogs, swamps.
Soils: Wet to moist, moderately well-drained to poorly-drained organic or sandy soils, often with acid pH.
Nutritional Requirements: High; requires rich organic soils for optimal growth.
Salt Water Tolerance: Low; does not tolerate long-term flooding by salt or brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance: Low; salt wind may burn the leaves.
Drought Tolerance: Low; requires moist to wet soils and is intolerant of long periods of drought.
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade.
Flower Color: White
Flower Characteristics: Showy.
Flowering Season: Spring.
Fruit: Small, ornamental red berries.
References: Hall (
2020), Mellichamp (
2014),
Comments: We have been adding data for this species for central and northern Florida and welcome any feedback or review. If you would like to contribute information or images, please contact George Gann via the IRC staff page.
See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's
Flower Friday page.
