Three subspecies occur in Florida.  The subspecies ranges somewhat overlap.  Subspecies cruiseana is listed as Endangered by the State of Florida. In , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without i , Considertions, Becomes less than attractive after flowering. , Wildlife, Primarily wind dispersed, but small birds consume seed. , Habitat, Scrub, sandhills. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Butterflies and bees including green metallic, sweat, leafcutter, bumble and mining bees (Florida Wildflower Foundation).

Shade tree. This is a clone former, so it can also be used to provide screening or for an "island" of habitat for wildlife , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Considertions, Plant where its persistent bur-like fruits (gum balls) will not be underfoot. Also, its resinous leaves will stain cement driveways and car finishes. , Wildlife, Provides cover for birds and other animals. , Habitat, Dry-moist sites. River bottoms, upland hardwood forests, roadsides. , Did You Know?, Aroma, fragrance, Fall color, Interesting foliage, Hurricane wind resistance Larval host plant for luna (Actias luna) moths.

Hedge plant. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Considertions, In unburned natural wetlands, this plant sometimes form almost impenetrable thickets along the edge. , Wildlife, Birds and other wildlife consume the fruit. , Habitat, Swampy sites, wet pine flatwoods, sloughs and edges of cypress swamps, seepage swamps and bogs, savannas, other wet depressional areas. , Did You Know?, Fall color, Showy flowers, Showy fruits, Interesting foliage Attracts bees (https://wildflower.org).