Verbenaceae

Citharexylum spinosum: Fiddlewood

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum), a native plant of Florida, the West Indies, and South America. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its glossy leaves, white flowers, and orange to black fruit. The fiddlewood is described as a versatile plant suitable for various uses such as hedges, screens, and reclamation projects. It thrives in a range of soil types and conditions, demonstrating high drought tolerance and moderate salt tolerance. The document also highlights the plant’s minimal pest issues and its adaptability to different planting environments. Original publication date October 1999.

Verbena speciosa 'Imagination' 'Imagination' Verbena

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

The publication provides an overview of the ‘Imagination’ verbena, a perennial ground cover well-suited for Florida landscapes. This plant, which won the All American Selections award in 1993, features deep violet-blue or purple flowers that bloom in clusters atop its 12-inch-tall stems. It thrives in full sun and various soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. The ‘Imagination’ verbena is noted for its high drought tolerance and ability to spread, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and attracting butterflies. First published Oct. 1999. 

Callicarpa japonica Japanese Beautyberry

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica), a shrub commonly used in eastern and southern landscapes. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, leaf arrangement, and fruiting habits. The Japanese beautyberry is noted for its purple berries that persist into fall and its moderate growth rate. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8 and can be planted year-round in zones 7 and 8. The shrub is suitable for various uses such as foundation planting, borders, mass planting, and containers. It is not known to be invasive and has no serious pest issues. The document also highlights the plant’s soil and light requirements, drought tolerance, and potential for winter interest. Original publication date October 1999.

Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document describes the American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), a native North American shrub known for its attractive lavender-pink blossoms and shiny purple-blue fruits. The shrub, which grows 5 to 8 feet tall and wide, features long, arching branches and coarse, fuzzy leaves. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11 and is suitable for various uses, including foundation planting, borders, mass planting, and naturalizing. The plant is relatively maintenance-free, grows well in full sun or light shade, and tolerates a variety of soils. It is popular with birds and has no serious pest or disease concerns. The document also highlights the plant’s propagation methods and the need for regular pruning to maintain its size and appearance. Original publication date October 1999.

Control of Lantana in Pastures

Brent Sellers, Ed Jennings, and Jason Ferrell

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue Porterweed

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an in-depth look at Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, commonly known as Blue Porterweed. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its growth habits, appearance, and flowering patterns. The document highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, such as hedges, borders, and mass plantings, and its ability to attract butterflies. Additionally, it covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, including light, soil, and water requirements, as well as its high drought tolerance and minimal pest issues. Original publication date October 1999. 

Duranta erecta, Golden Dewdrop

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, Mary McKenzie, Heather V. Quintana, and Robert J. Northrop

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Vitex agnus-castus 'Rosea': 'Rosea' Chastetree

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Verbena maritima Beach Verbena

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the beach verbena, a native plant of Florida’s coastal areas. This perennial ground cover is known for its purple or lavender flowers and fine-textured foliage. It thrives in full sun and sandy soils, making it an excellent dune stabilizer. The plant’s stems creep along the ground, rooting to bind the sand and prevent erosion. Despite its resilience to salt air and water, the beach verbena is endangered in the wild. The text emphasizes its use in landscaping for ground cover, attracting butterflies, and naturalizing coastal areas. First published Oct. 1999. 

Vitex agnus-castus 'Silver Spire': 'Silver Spire' Chastetree

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.