Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Woodland edges, fencerows, open woods, and disturbed areas
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida
Growing Zones: 6a-9b 
Size at Maturity: 12-25 feet tall, with a similar spread
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Growth Habit: Thicket-forming, spreading, woody
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: White
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Adaptable to various soils, prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry to moist, drought-tolerant once established
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, thickets, hedges, and erosion control
Maintenance Tips: Pruning to control suckering and maintain shape
Considerations: Can form dense thickets through suckering
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Yes, the fruit is edible, but tart
Pet Safe: Caution: The leaves and pits contain cyanide and can be toxic
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used it for various medicinal purposes
Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions):
Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Various native grasses
Wildlife Benefit: Birds (fruit, nesting), pollinators (flowers), mammals (fruit)
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, various species