Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Flatwoods, sandhills, and open woodlands
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida
Growing Zones: 7-9 
Size at Maturity: 10-20 feet tall, with a similar spread
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Shrub or small tree, thicket-forming, woody
Bloom Season: Spring
Bloom Color: White
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Sandy, well-drained soils
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry to average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: Yes
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, thickets, and hedgerows
Maintenance Tips: Pruning to control suckering and maintain shape
Considerations: Can form dense thickets
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Yes, the fruit is edible, but tart
Pet Safe: Caution: Leaves and pits contain cyanide, potentially toxic
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: Native Americans used it for various purposes
Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions):Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Various native oaks (Quercus spp.)
Wiregrass (Aristida stricta)
Wildlife Benefit: Birds (fruit, nesting), pollinators (flowers), mammals (fruit)
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, various species
Propagation: Seed, suckers