FloridaLandscapeIQ
Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Sea Grape — South Florida Plant Guide

Coccoloba uvifera

Family: Polygonaceae · Tree

Landscape Uses

coastal bufferdune stabilizationprivacy screenwindbreakspecimenhedgeright of way

Style Tags

tropicalcoastalflorida nativenaturalisticresort

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial Sun

Water Requirements

Low2/10

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

Extremely drought tolerant once established (12 months). Requires irrigation only during the first growing season. Native to dune environments — designed to thrive on minimal water. Never overwater.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestonecoastalrockyfill

Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release shrub/tree fertilizer

Schedule: February and October. Balanced slow-release 10-10-10.

Salt Tolerance

High (10/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
1535 ft
Mature Width
1530 ft
Growth Rate
medium
Water Demand
2/10
Florida Grade
Florida
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Sea Grape grow in South Florida?

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

Is Sea Grape safe for pets?

Yes, Sea Grape is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Fruit is edible for humans and wildlife.

How much water does Sea Grape need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Sea Grape is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Sea Grape tolerate salt air in South Florida?

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

Is Sea Grape available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Sea Grape is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected under Florida Statute 720.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — protected under Florida Statute 720.3075.

✓ Coastal OK

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

View County Guide →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Preferred for dune restoration projects.

✓ Coastal OK

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

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Palm Beach County

Protected

Heritage protections apply to large specimens. Native species protections.

✓ Coastal OK

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

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Collier County

Protected

Native species protections. Preferred coastal buffer species.

✓ Coastal OK

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

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Monroe County

Protected

Critical native species in Monroe County. Protected under Monroe County vegetation retention ordinances.

✓ 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?

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Ask about Sea Grape

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