Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Buttonwood is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Highly drought tolerant once established. Water 2x per week during establishment (6-12 months in coastal conditions). After establishment, no supplemental irrigation needed in most locations. Tolerates periodic saltwater flooding at tidal edge — one of few non-mangrove plants to do so successfully.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release tree/shrub fertilizer if deficiency observed — generally minimal need
Schedule: Generally not required once established. If deficiency observed, apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–30 ft
- Mature Width
- 5–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Buttonwood at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Buttonwood grow in South Florida?
Buttonwood has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Buttonwood safe for pets?
Yes, Buttonwood is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Safe for pet-accessible landscapes.
How much water does Buttonwood need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Buttonwood is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Buttonwood tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Buttonwood has high salt tolerance (10/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Buttonwood available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Buttonwood is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — protected. Excellent for Broward barrier island coastal buffer applications.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — protected. Less common in Palm Beach County than coastal Miami-Dade and Monroe but appropriate for barrier island locations.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — protected. Appropriate for Collier County's Ten Thousand Islands area and coastal gulf properties.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida native — protected. Buttonwood is one of the most important native shrubs/trees in the Florida Keys ecosystem.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
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Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Buttonwood
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.