Light. Grows best in full sun.
Water. Water often until it is established. After that it has high drought tolerance and handles very long dry periods. It does not tolerate flooding.
Soil and feeding. It grows in any soil texture and tolerates pH from 4.5 to 8.0, including alkaline limestone soils.
Size. Grows to about 30 ft, fast; very old trees can reach 45 to 50 ft with a wide crown. Give it room as a shade tree.
Problems to watch. No serious pests or diseases.
Good to know. A Florida native that tolerates salty wind and some salt spray. It drops its leaves and blooms in spring before new leaves appear. It is a host plant for the hammock skipper and cassius blue butterflies. All parts are poisonous if eaten; keep children and pets from chewing it.
Sources: Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Piscidia piscipula · UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Butterfly Gardens: Jamaican Dogwood
