Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Coastal areas, salt marshes, dunes, and edges of mangrove swamps
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida, and the Caribbean
Growing Zones: 8a-11
Size at Maturity: 3-6 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Woody shrub, spreading, can form thickets
Bloom Season: Summer and fall, with intermittent blooms
Bloom Color: Lavender to bluish-white
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
Soil Texture: Sandy, well-drained, saline soils
Soil pH: Adaptable
Moisture Requirements: Moist, tolerant of some drought and salt water flooding
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Tolerant
Keystone Plant: Yes
Recommended Landscape Uses: Coastal landscapes, wildlife gardens, hedges, and naturalized areas
Maintenance Tips: Pruning to control shape and suckering
Considerations: Thorns may be present, berries are toxic to some animals if eaten in large quantities.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: High
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Ripe fruits are said to be possibly edible to humans, do not eat unripe fruits.
Pet Safe: Caution, can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: None widely recorded
Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions):Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)
Various salt-tolerant grasses
Wildlife Benefit: Birds (berries), pollinators (flowers)
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, various species