May be semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants which makes it challenging to grow. Best planted near a potential host such as an oak. May die back , 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 , Considertions, Has thorns. , Wildlife, Birds and other wildlife will eat the fruit. , Habitat, Scrub, xeric hammocks, swamps. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Showy fruits, Thorns Attracts pollinators, especially bees.  Documented bees in clude Agapostemon splendens, Augochloropsis sumptuosa,

Found naturally in Florida in glades, which have marly soils, and in Alachua County, in shallow sands over marl deposits that cover the underlying lim , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Habitat, Upland mixed forest. Found in edges or understory and on roadsides. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Larval Host to the checkered-skipper (Pyrgus communis). Attracts bees.