General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Wet flatwoods, marshes, swamps, wet prairies, along pond and stream margins
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, NC, LA
Growing Zones: 8–10
Size at Maturity: 2–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
Bloom Color: White
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full-Part
Soil Texture: Muck, sand, loam
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Wet, moist
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Rain gardens, wetland restorations, naturalistic plantings, pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Prefers consistently moist soil; cut back after bloom season if needed
Considerations: Toxic if ingested (contains compounds similar to hemlock); avoid planting in pet or child-heavy areas
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Toxic
Pet Safe: No
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: None widely documented due to toxicity
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blue Flag Iris, Lizard’s Tail, Swamp Milkweed
Wildlife Benefit: Pollinators including native bees and flies
Caterpillar Host Plant: Swallowtail Butterflies