General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Riverbanks, floodplains, bottomland forests, moist hammocks
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, DE, PA, OH, IN, IL, MO, AR, TX, OK, KS, IA, NY, NJ, CT, MA
Growing Zones: 4–9
Size at Maturity: 75–100 feet tall, 50–75 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, irregular, open crown
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: Greenish (inconspicuous)
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, clay
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist, wet, adaptable
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, streambank stabilization, large rain gardens, naturalistic plantings
Maintenance Tips: Prune in winter to remove deadwood; requires space and consistent moisture
Considerations: Large size limits use to big landscapes; susceptible to anthracnose in humid conditions
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No
Historical Medicinal Uses: Bark and sap historically used by Indigenous peoples for respiratory and digestive issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Bald Cypress, Red Maple, Elderberry
Wildlife Benefit: Birds, small mammals, cavity-nesting wildlife
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – host to Sycamore Tussock Moth (Halysidota harrisii) and other species