FloridaLandscapeIQ
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida #1

Gumbo Limbo — South Florida Plant Guide

Bursera simaruba

Family: Burseraceae · Tree

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

specimenboulevardcoastal bufferwindbreakmedianright of waydune stabilization

Etikèt Estil

florida nativecoastaltropicalnaturalistic

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full SunPartial Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low1/10

Once established (12–18 months), Gumbo Limbo is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Extremely drought tolerant — no supplemental irrigation required after 12 months of establishment in South Florida's rainfall regime. During establishment (first growing season), water 2x per week. After establishment, do NOT maintain on regular irrigation schedules — chronic overwatering in poorly drained soils causes root rot. This is a dry-adapted native. Less irrigation is always better.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandylimestonecoastalfillrocky

Fertilizer: Slow-release balanced tree fertilizer 10-10-10 or organic compost top-dress (native — low need)

Schedule: Established Gumbo Limbo trees require minimal supplemental fertilization in South Florida. If growth rate or foliage color indicates deficiency, apply balanced slow-release tree fertilizer once in spring (March-April) under full canopy drip line. Native — excess fertilization promotes excessive soft growth. Organic compost top-dressing is preferred.

Tolerans Sèl

High (7/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Wotè Matire
3060 ft
Lajè Matire
2040 ft
Vitès Kwasans
fast
Bezwen Dlo
1/10
Nòt Florida
Florida #1
Pri Enstalasyon
$$
Zòn USDA
10a, 10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
5/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Gumbo Limbo nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Gumbo Limbo grow in South Florida?

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

Is Gumbo Limbo safe for pets?

Yes, Gumbo Limbo is considered pet-safe. No known toxicity to dogs or cats. Resinous sap may cause mild skin irritation if direct contact occurs during pruning — not a concern for pets under normal landscape conditions. Not on ASPCA toxic plant list.

How much water does Gumbo Limbo need in South Florida?

Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Gumbo Limbo is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Gumbo Limbo tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Gumbo Limbo has high salt tolerance (7/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Gumbo Limbo available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Gumbo Limbo is classified as: allowed. Florida native — allowed and actively encouraged.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Florida native — allowed and actively encouraged. Listed on Miami-Dade preferred native species list.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Allowed

Florida native — allowed without restrictions. Broward County native landscape ordinances actively encourage Gumbo Limbo in new commercial and residential developments.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Florida native — allowed. Encouraged for coastal buffer and native landscape installations.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Allowed

Florida native — allowed and preferred for coastal buffer and native landscape compliance. Collier County LDC encourages native canopy tree use in all new developments.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Allowed

Florida Keys native — widely used and encouraged throughout Monroe County. Gumbo Limbo is a characteristic Keys hammock species.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Referans konplè òdonans disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl. Toujou verifye egzijans konte aktyèl anvan enstalasyon.

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Ekspòte yon PDF pou kliyan ak espesifikasyon Nòt Florida, estati legal konte ak risk echèk. Disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl.

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