General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Moist to dry woodlands, floodplains, and coastal areas
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Carolinas
Growing Zones: 8-10
Size at Maturity: 15-30 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Well-drained, sandy to loamy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to average moisture
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shrub border, hedgerow, wildlife habitat, naturalized areas, understory plant in woodland gardens
Maintenance Tips: Prune to shape after blooming, remove any dead or damaged wood
Considerations: The plant has sharp thorns on its stems, which can make it difficult to handle; use caution in garden spaces
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used traditionally in herbal medicine for its bark, which was believed to help with ailments like arthritis, pain relief, and digestive issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies; also provides habitat for small birds and mammals
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for the Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
Propagation: Seed, cutting
 
Hercules Club is an interesting addition to gardens that appreciate native plants with unique features. It offers striking thorns, small flowers, and habitat for wildlife. It thrives in woodland settings, adding texture and height to natural landscapes. However, gardeners should be cautious of its thorny nature when planting in areas with high foot traffic or near walkways.