Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Swamps, floodplains, stream banks, moist woodlands
Native State, Country: Eastern and southeastern United States
Growing Zones: 5 - 9
Size at Maturity: 10-25 feet tall, often multi-trunked
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, often forming thickets
Bloom Season: Spring
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates wet conditions and some clay.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No, but valuable for wildlife
Recommended Landscape Uses: Naturalized areas, rain gardens, stream bank restoration, wildlife gardens, woodland gardens.
Maintenance Tips: Little maintenance required. Prune to shape if desired.
Considerations: Attracts pollinators and birds. Tolerates wet conditions well.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes, especially along waterways.
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Edible: Fruits are technically edible but not palatable (bitter and astringent).
Pet Safe: Generally considered safe.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Moderate
Historical Medicinal Uses: Some traditional medicinal uses by Native Americans.
Florida Native Companion Plant:  Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush),  Salix caroliniana (Coastal Plain Willow)
Wildlife Benefit: Provides food (fruits) and cover for birds and small mammals.
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for the Spring Azure butterfly and others.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings
Length of time Seed is Viable: 1-2 years
Best month to Start Seeds: Fall (sow outdoors) or spring (after cold stratification)
Seed treatments: Cold stratification can improve germination.