General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Coastal hammocks, pinelands, maritime forests
Native States: FL, TX, AZ, NM, HI, PR, VI
Growing Zones: 9a–11
Size at Maturity: 20–50 ft tall, 15–30 ft wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, Round, Woody
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Bloom Color: Greenish-white
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Sand, Loam
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Moisture Requirements: Average to Dry
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Some Spray
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade tree, specimen tree, coastal landscapes, naturalized areas
Maintenance Tips: Fairly low maintenance; prune for shape when young; prefers well-drained soils
Considerations: Produces yellow-orange berries containing saponins (natural soap), which are toxic if ingested
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Toxic (fruits and seeds contain saponins)
Pet Safe: No
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Fruit used by Indigenous peoples as soap and mild detergent; bark and fruit also used in traditional remedies
Florida Native Companion Plant: Gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara), firebush (Hamelia patens), coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
Wildlife Benefit: Birds (some species eat fruit), provides shelter
Caterpillar Host Plant: No
Propagation: Seed (requires scarification for best germination)