This is one of the world's most widespread species. Multiple subspecies exist  within Florida with two being widespread. Because of its tolerance of a , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, In rich soils, may be overly aggressive. , Habitat, Dry sites. Oak-pine-hickory woodslands. Tolerant of disturbance. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage

The range map for this species suggests that it might occur in the ApalachicolaRiver floodplains even where it had not been documented. Shade tree. T , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Fallen/falling acorns can be a maintenance issue. , Wildlife, Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, blue jays, ducks, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and black bear Provides c , Habitat, Floodplains of large rivers, predominantly the greater Apalachicola River system. , Did You Know?, Hurricane wind resistance Host plant for the banded hairstreak, Edwards' hairstreak, gray hairstreak, white-M hairstreak Horace's duskywing and the J

Not frequently seen for sale, but readily available from plant fragments. Used in wetland restoration. Water gardens and ponds. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, This species can become overly dense and completely cover small ponds. Recommended for edges of larger ponds/lakes or streams, or where one wants a g , Wildlife, Provides structure for fish, frogs, etc. in aquatic settings. , Habitat, Marshes, ponds, swamps, rivers, streams. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage Pollinated by flies and beetles. Several bees have been documented visiting this species including Hylaeus schwarz

Can be pruned. Works well as a specimen plant. Its thick, large leaves make it stand out from most other plants in the landscape. Very useful in sett , Tolerance, Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt , Considertions, Fast growing, tends to sprawl. Very cold sensitive if planted inland from the coast even in the counties noted as its range. Unless cold is extreme, i , Wildlife, Birds and other wildlife consume fruit. , Habitat, Coastal uplands , Did You Know?, Fall color, Showy fruits, Interesting foliage, Hurricane wind resistance Nectar plant for Florida duskywing (Ephyriades brunneus), julia (Dryas iulia

Fronds are lacy and delicate in appearance. Ground cover. This is a clump-forming fern (all fronds arise from a central point) making it a good focal , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Wildlife, One resource (Misssouri Botantical Garden) indicates that it tolerates rabbits. , Habitat, Moist hammocks, swamps, shady bluffs. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage

Depending on cold, this may keep its leaves all year or die back during the winter. In colder areas, consider growing it as an annual. It adapts well , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Depending on site, this plant may spread more than preferred, but easy to pull up if it is not wanted , Did You Know?, Aroma, fragrance, Interesting foliage Larval host for Fulvous Hairstreak. Attracts pollinators

In the opinion of this author, this species has a weedy look.  Occurs throughout Florida but is more frequent in flatwoods pond settings and small flo , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray wo , Considertions, An aggressive grower. Plant where that characteristic is appropriate. , Habitat, Riverine forests, flatwoods, beaches, fresh and brackish marshes, disturbed sites. , Did You Know?, Larval host for tawny edged skipper.

Widespread but sparse distribution in Florida largely based on where limestone is exposed at the surface.  If you have limestone it is appropriate to , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Wildlife, Said to be resistant to deer. , Habitat, Moist hammocks and can grow attached to rock outcroppings if moisture is consistently present in the area. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage

Specimen plant, thicket, or natural background plantings. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Wildlife, Attracts hummingbirds. , Habitat, Upland hardwood forests, flatwoods, by swamps, bluffs, slope forests, secondary woods. , Did You Know?, Aroma, fragrance, Showy flowers Attracts pollinators, especially bumble bees. , Did You Know?