This species is almost endemic to Florida.  Its range overlaps into southern Georgia and southeastern Alabama. The range includes all of Florida thoug , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Wildlife, Said by Bok Tower to sometimes attract hummingbirds. Seeds likely dispersed by wind. , Habitat, Dry flatwoods, sandhill, ruderal areas. Well-drained upland habitats , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Larval host to Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) Attracts bees.

Can be used as a groundcover in semi-shady areas. Perhaps more interesting than showy. , Tolerance, Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt , Habitat, Moist, typically salty areas, dunes. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage Nectar plant for Miami blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri), great southern white (Ascia monuste), and other but

Restoration of savannas. Curiosity in the wildflower garden. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Wildlife, Small birds consume seed. , Habitat, Cutthroat seeps, wet flatwoods, savannas. , Did You Know?, Showy fruits it is the larval host plant of arogos skipper (Atrytone arogos) butterflies.

Leaves have sharp spiny tips. Specimen plant. Low hedge. , Tolerance, Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure t, Tolerance , Considertions, The leaves have hard, sharp points., Considertions , Wildlife, Provides wildlife cover, Wildlife , Habitat, Dry sites. Scrub, scrubby flatwoods., Habitat , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage Larval host plant for cofaqui giant skipper (Megathymus cofaqui) and yucca giant skipper (Megathymus yuccae) butte, Did You Know?