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.

Usos no Paisagismo

specimencoastal bufferestate gardenhistoric restorationconservation planting

Tags de Estilo

florida nativecoastalestatehistoricconservation

Guia de Cultivo para o Sul da Flórida

Requisitos de Luz

Full Sun

Requisitos de Água

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.

Solo e Fertilização

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.

Tolerância ao Sal

High (9/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Altura Madura
1025 ft
Largura Madura
815 ft
Taxa de Crescimento
very-slow
Demanda de Água
1/10
Grau Florida
Florida #1
Custo Instalado
$$$$
Zonas USDA
10b, 11
Status FLEPPC
None
Classificação Iguana
7/10

Onde Comprar no Sul da Flórida

Encontre Lignum Vitae em viveiros do Sul da Flórida — verifique disponibilidade e preços em viveiros próximos.

Perguntas Frequentes

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.

Disponibilidade por Município no Sul da Flórida

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.

✓ Apto para costa

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

Ver Guia do Município →

Broward County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Apto para costa

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

Ver Guia do Município →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Apto para costa

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

Ver Guia do Município →

Collier County

Protected

Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.

✓ Apto para costa

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

Ver Guia do Município →

Monroe County

Protected

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

✓ Apto para costa

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

Ver Guia do Município →

Referências completas de portarias disponíveis para assinantes Profissionais. Sempre verifique os requisitos atuais do condado antes da instalação.

Precisa de uma Ficha Técnica?

Exporte um PDF pronto para o cliente com especificações do Grau Florida, status legal do condado e riscos de falha. Disponível para assinantes Profissionais.

Gerar Ficha Técnica →

Ask about Lignum Vitae

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