Light. Full sun is best; it also grows in partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. After that it is highly drought tolerant and often does best with no irrigation; it may drop leaves in drought.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sand, limestone and alkaline soils, even poor white sand, as long as they drain well.
Size. Grows to 25 ft or more. Landscape trees are often 25–40 ft tall and 25–30 ft wide.
Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Remove low branches that droop toward the ground.
Problems to watch. It is free of serious pests and diseases. Caterpillars sometimes chew leaves but rarely need control.
Good to know. A Florida native that is highly resistant to strong winds and tolerates salty air. Kingbirds and other flycatchers eat the fruit. It is cold tender, suited to zones 10B–11.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS ENH263/ST104: Bursera simaruba, Gumbo Limbo · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Bursera simaruba
