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Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Mahogany — South Florida Plant Guide

Swietenia mahagoni

Family: Meliaceae · Tree

Landscape Uses

specimenshade treestreet tree

Style Tags

tropicalnative

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial Sun

Water Requirements

Moderate4/10

Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.

High drought tolerance once established. Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to South Florida's typical sandy/limestone-influenced conditions.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamclaylimestone

Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release tree fertilizer

Schedule: Light balanced fertilizer for young trees establishing; mature trees in good soil rarely need supplemental feeding.

Salt Tolerance

High (8/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
4075 ft
Mature Width
4060 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
4/10
Florida Grade
Florida
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Mahogany at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Mahogany grow in South Florida?

Mahogany has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Mahogany safe for pets?

Yes, Mahogany is considered pet-safe.

How much water does Mahogany need in South Florida?

Moderate water needs (4/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.

Can Mahogany tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Mahogany has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Mahogany available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Mahogany is classified as: allowed. Florida-native shade and street tree; common throughout the county.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Florida-native shade and street tree; common throughout the county. Plant 5-6ft minimum from sidewalks/curbs.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Common; same root-clearance guidance applies..

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Common landscape and street tree..

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Moderately common..

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Florida Keys native range — well-adapted to Keys growing conditions..

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Mahogany

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.