Status in Florida: Native, State Threatened
•Size at Maturity: Simpson Stopper typically grows as a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching heights of about 10 to 25 feet tall and spreading 10 to 15 feet wide.
•Phenology: Evergreen tree with dense foliage, small white flowers, and red to orange berries that attract wildlife. Flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year, with peak blooming periods in spring and summer.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Intermittently throughout the year, with peak blooming periods in spring and summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Evergreen
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of various soil types
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Tolerant of drought once established; prefers moderately moist soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, coastal landscapes, naturalized areas, as a specimen tree or hedge
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune back as needed to control size and shape; may benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer
•Considerations: Simpson Stopper is highly attractive to pollinators and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: The fruits of Simpson Stopper are edible and can be consumed fresh or used to make jellies and jams.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for various purposes, including as a treatment for sore throat and as a topical antiseptic.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Simpson Stopper is often found growing alongside other native plants in various habitats, including species such as Firebush (Hamelia patens) and Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife; berries are eaten by birds and small mammals.
