Light. Grows in full sun and also takes light shade.
Water. It can be hard to establish, so water regularly at first. Once established it needs no supplemental water and handles long dry periods. Avoid spots that flood.
Soil and feeding. Plant in well-drained sandy or limestone soil with some organic matter on top. It grows best with organic content and may languish in very poor soil.
Size. Grows slowly to about 20 ft, usually taller than broad; very old trees can reach 25–33 ft. Use it as a specimen or small shade tree.
Good to know. A South Florida native of hammocks with the densest wood of any tree native to South Florida; the wood sinks in water. It is noted for hurricane wind resistance. Keep it out of direct salt spray. Its small greenish flowers make lots of nectar, and birds eat the black fruit.
Sources: Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Krugiodendron ferreum · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Krugiodendron ferreum
