General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Hardwood forests, floodplains, stream banks, and moist woodlands
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina
Growing Zones: 6-9
Size at Maturity: 3-10 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Growth Habit: Shrub, small tree, open, spreading
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: Dark reddish-brown to purple
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Part-Shade to Full-Shade
Soil Texture: Loam, clay, sand (prefers well-drained soils)
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Woodland gardens, understory plantings, wildlife habitat, edible landscapes
Maintenance Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; avoid transplanting as it has a deep taproot
Considerations: Spreads by underground runners; slow-growing but forms colonies over time
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: Yes (fruit is edible and similar to pawpaw, but less sweet)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: High resistance
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used by Indigenous peoples for digestive issues and skin ailments
Florida Native Companion Plant: Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina pygmaea), Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Wildlife Benefit: Fruits eaten by small mammals and birds; flowers attract pollinators
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes (Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly)
Propagation: Seeds (requires stratification), root suckers