Light. Full sun to light shade.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. It prefers moist soil and handles only short dry periods once established. It does not tolerate flooding.
Soil and feeding. Grows in moist, well-drained sandy or limestone soil, including alkaline soil. It can grow in poor soil but needs some organic matter to thrive.
Size. Grows very slowly into a narrow tree, taller than wide; about 10 ft for many years. In the wild it is typically 15–25 ft and can reach over 40 ft.
Problems to watch. Salty wind may burn the leaves, and it does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water. Keep it away from direct salt spray.
Good to know. A rare Florida native of coastal hammocks, listed as endangered in the state. The glossy leaves end in a pointed drip tip. Birds eat the red berries, and it stands up well to hurricane winds.
Sources: Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Eugenia confusa · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Eugenia confusa
