Light. Plant in full sun.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. It handles brackish sites and occasionally wet soil.
Soil and feeding. It tolerates sand, clay, loam, alkaline and acidic soils, and salty conditions.
Size. Grows to about 20 ft as an open tree, or can be kept as a clipped hedge or screen. Along a street, plant on 15-ft centers.
Pruning. Prune young trees to build strong structure. Choose single-trunk trees for streets and parking areas.
Problems to watch. Inland, sucking insects can cause sooty mold; treat with Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. A Florida native and highly salt tolerant, so it suits seaside planting. Constant ocean wind gives it a picturesque, contorted shape. The small leaves fall between grass blades and wash away.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS ENH339: Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus, Silver Buttonwood
