Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean
Introduction
This low-branching, multi-trunked, shrubby, evergreen tree has glaucous medium-green leaves. The inconspicuous, small, greenish flowers appear in dense cone-like heads in terminal panicles in spring and are followed by 1/2-inch, cone-like, red-brown fruits. The dark brown attractive bark is ridged and scaly. The tree is 'clean' with small leaves which fall between the grass blades of the lawn or are easily washed away in the rain.
Figure 1. Full Form—Conocarpus erectus: Buttonwood
General Information
Scientific name: Conocarpus erectus
Pronunciation: kawn-oh-KAR-pus ee-RECK-tus
Common name(s): Buttonwood
Family: Combretaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 10B through 11 (Figure 2)
Origin: native to Florida, the Caribbean, and South America
UF/IFAS Invasive Assessment Status: native
Uses: specimen; street without sidewalk; screen; deck or patio; hedge; reclamation; parking lot island < 100 sq ft; parking lot island 100–200 sq ft; parking lot island > 200 sq ft; sidewalk cutout (tree pit); tree lawn 3–4 feet wide; tree lawn 4–6 feet wide; tree lawn > 6 ft wide; urban tolerant; highway median; bonsai; shade
Figure 2. Range
Description
Height: 30 to 45 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Crown uniformity: symmetrical
Crown shape: vase, spreading
Crown density: moderate
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: fine
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: lanceolate, oblong
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 1 to 4 inches
Leaf color: dark green and smooth
Fall color: no color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Figure 3. Leaf—Conocarpus erectus: Buttonwood
Flower
Flower color: green
Flower characteristics: not showy; emerge in clusters on round, compact heads that are arranged on branched panicles
Flowering: spring to early fall
Figure 4. Flower—Conocarpus erectus: Buttonwood
Fruit
Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: ½ inch
Fruit covering: dry or hard
Fruit color: purple-brown, red
Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem
Fruiting: year-round
Figure 5. Fruit—Conocarpus erectus: Buttonwood
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/branches: branches droop; showy; typically multi-trunked; no thorns
Bark: gray and smooth, becoming scaly, fissured, and darker with age
Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases
Use and Management
Capable of reaching a height of 40 feet with a 20-foot spread, buttonwood is often seen as a small, somewhat asymmetrical shrub but is ideal for use as a screen, clipped hedge, or specimen planting. The species is less common and grows taller than the silver buttonwood. Due to the attractive bark and soft foliage, a multi-stemmed specimen can make a nice patio or street tree. Planted in the open as a tree, buttonwood will grow to about 20 to 25 feet tall and wide, and will often take on a picturesque, contorted appearance when exposed to constant seashore winds, creating an attractive specimen. The crown is more symmetrical 1/2 mile or more from the coast or on the inland side of a tall ocean-front building. The wood of buttonwood was formerly used for firewood, cabinetwork, and charcoal making and is very strong. It is an ideal wood for smoking meats and fish. Included or embedded bark often develops in major branch crotches, but the strong wood appears to compensate for this potential defect. Trees are tough and long-lasting in the landscape.
A Florida native, buttonwood is ideal for seaside plantings as it is highly tolerant of full sun, sandy soils, and salty conditions. It also tolerates brackish areas and alkaline soils, thriving in the broken shade and wet soils of hammocks. This is a tough tree! It withstands the rigors of urban conditions very well and makes a durable street or parking lot tree. Due to its small size, plant on 15-foot centers to form a closed canopy along a street. Purchase single-trunked trees for street and parking lot plantings.
The cultivar 'Mombo' has a dense crown and may be smaller than the species, 15 to 20 feet tall.
Pests
Sucking insect secretions will result in problems with sooty mold on trees inland from the coast.
Diseases
No diseases are of major concern.
Reference
Koeser, A. K., Hasing, G., Friedman, M. H., and Irving, R. B. 2015. Trees: North & Central Florida. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
