Known for very dense wood, hence the common name.  Said to have the heaviest wood on any American tree. Specimen plant or small shade tree. , 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 , Wildlife, Fruit eaten by birds and other wildlife. , Habitat, Dry sites. Hammocks. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage, Hurricane wind resistance

Retain if present. Can be used as part of a screen in a dry site setting. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Slow growing. , Habitat, Dry-moist sites. Cutthroat seeps, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, scrub. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Attracts bees.  The following Hymenoptera families and species were observed visiting flowers of Lyonia fruticosa at Archbold Biologica