Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
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.
Soil and Fertilization
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.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 10–25 ft
- Mature Width
- 8–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- very-slow
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$$$
- USDA Zones
- 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Lignum Vitae at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
THREATENED SPECIES — federally and state listed. Wild specimens protected by law under Florida Statute Chapter 581 (Florida Plant Act) and federal CITES listing.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Threatened species — protected. Nursery-grown specimens legal.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
THREATENED SPECIES — protected. This is the natural home of Florida Lignum Vitae — the tree occurs naturally in Florida Keys coastal hammocks.
✓ 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.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Lignum Vitae
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.