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Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Silver Buttonwood — South Florida Plant Guide

Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus

Family: Combretaceae · Shrub

Landscape Uses

coastal bufferhedgewindbreakspecimendune stabilizationprivacy screenright of way

Style Tags

florida nativecoastalsilver foliageresortnaturalistic

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Water Requirements

Low2/10

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

Extremely drought and flood tolerant once established (12 months). Designed for coastal mangrove transition zones — tolerates both drought and periodic salt water flooding. Irrigation only during establishment.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestonecoastalrockyfill

Fertilizer: Low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer

Schedule: February and September. Low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

High (10/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
820 ft
Mature Width
612 ft
Growth Rate
medium
Water Demand
2/10
Florida Grade
Florida
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
6/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Silver Buttonwood at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Silver Buttonwood grow in South Florida?

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

Is Silver Buttonwood safe for pets?

Yes, Silver Buttonwood is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats.

How much water does Silver Buttonwood need in South Florida?

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

Can Silver Buttonwood tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Silver Buttonwood 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 Silver Buttonwood available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Silver Buttonwood is classified as: protected. Florida native — HOA cannot prohibit.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — HOA cannot prohibit. DERM preferred coastal species.

✓ Coastal OK

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

View County Guide →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Coastal buffer preferred species.

✓ Coastal OK

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

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Palm Beach County

Protected

Native — protected. Coastal waterfront standard species.

✓ Coastal OK

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

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Collier County

Protected

Native — protected. Required in Collier coastal landscape buffers.

✓ Coastal OK

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

View County Guide →

Monroe County

Protected

Critical Keys native. ROGO native vegetation credit.

✓ 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.

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Ask about Silver Buttonwood

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