General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Coastal dunes, disturbed areas, roadsides, hammocks, and open woodlands
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas
Growing Zones: 8-11
Size at Maturity: 3-6 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant in northern range, semi-evergreen in warmer climates
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Growth Habit: Sprawling, open, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Spring to fall (can bloom year-round in warm climates)
Bloom Color: White
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, adaptable
Soil pH: Adaptable (acidic to slightly alkaline)
Moisture Requirements: Average to dry, drought-tolerant once established
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Some spray
Keystone Plant: Yes
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, roadside plantings, erosion control, naturalized areas
Maintenance Tips: Cut back to encourage bushier growth; may need support in windy locations; self-seeds readily
Considerations: Can become aggressive in ideal conditions; attracts a high number of pollinators, including bees and butterflies
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate resistance
Historical Medicinal Uses: Limited known medicinal uses; sometimes used in traditional remedies for skin conditions
Florida Native Companion Plant: Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis), Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Wildlife Benefit: Highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes (supports several butterfly and moth species)
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings