FloridaLandscapeIQ
Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida #1

Lignum Vitae — South Florida Plant Guide

Guaiacum sanctum

Family: Zygophyllaceae · Tree

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

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

specimencoastal bufferestate gardenhistoric restorationconservation planting

Etikèt Estil

florida nativecoastalestatehistoricconservation

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low1/10

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

Extremely drought tolerant. Water lightly during establishment (1-2x per week for 6-12 months). After establishment, no supplemental irrigation needed in South Florida. Thrives in limestone soils with minimal soil amendment. Never waterlog — root rot in chronically wet or standing water conditions.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

limestonerockycoastalsandy

Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release fertilizer if deficiency is observed — minimal need

Schedule: Generally not required — well-adapted to South Florida's limestone soils without supplemental fertilization.

Tolerans Sèl

High (9/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Wotè Matire
1025 ft
Lajè Matire
815 ft
Vitès Kwasans
very-slow
Bezwen Dlo
1/10
Nòt Florida
Florida #1
Pri Enstalasyon
$$$$
Zòn USDA
10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
7/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Lignum Vitae nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Lignum Vitae grow in South Florida?

Lignum Vitae has a very-slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Lignum Vitae safe for pets?

Yes, Lignum Vitae is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats in typical landscape exposure.

How much water does Lignum Vitae need in South Florida?

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

Can Lignum Vitae tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Lignum Vitae has high salt tolerance (9/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Lignum Vitae available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Lignum Vitae is classified as: protected. THREATENED SPECIES — federally and state listed.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Protected

THREATENED SPECIES — federally and state listed. Wild specimens protected by law under Florida Statute Chapter 581 (Florida Plant Act) and federal CITES listing.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

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

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Protected

THREATENED SPECIES — protected. This is the natural home of Florida Lignum Vitae — the tree occurs naturally in Florida Keys coastal hammocks.

✓ 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.

Bezwen yon Fich Espesifikasyon?

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

Jenere Fich Espesifikasyon →

Ask about Lignum Vitae

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