General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Prairies, open woods, and dry upland areas
Native States: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
Growing Zones: 3-9
Size at Maturity: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Summer
Bloom Color: White with a slight yellow tint
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry to average moisture
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildflower gardens, meadows, borders, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Minimal maintenance, prune back after blooming to encourage re-growth
Considerations: Can be slow to establish, requires well-drained soil
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: Yes
 
Other Information
Edible: Caution (young stems and leaves contain alkaloids, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities)
Pet Safe: Caution (contains toxic compounds if ingested)
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: The plant has been used historically as a laxative and for other medicinal purposes, though it is toxic in large amounts
Florida Native Companion Plant: Echinacea purpurea, Rudbeckia hirta
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts bees and butterflies
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for various species of butterflies including the Wild indigo duskywing and Zarucco duskywing butterflies
Propagation: Seed, cuttings