General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Scrub, sandhill, pine flatwoods
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, SC
Growing Zones: 8–10
Size at Maturity: 1–3 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Low, spreading, thicket-forming, woody
Bloom Season: Winter to early spring
Bloom Color: White to pinkish
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam
Soil pH: Acidic
Moisture Requirements: Dry, Average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Native groundcover, wildlife gardens, naturalistic landscapes, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; minimal pruning needed; mulch to retain moisture
Considerations: May spread by rhizomes to form colonies; slow to establish in disturbed or compacted soils
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Yes
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used traditionally for urinary and kidney health, and as a food source
Florida Native Companion Plant: Gopher Apple, Saw Palmetto, Sandhill Milkweed
Wildlife Benefit: Birds, Pollinators, Small mammals
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes – supports Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing moth)