Flowers are dark maroon, not showy. Small specimen tree. Also works well as a component of floodplain forests.

Forms thickets. Best used as a screen or buffer plant.

In some parts of the world, this is an invasive species. In Florida, it is well behaved. Grow on a trellis or let climb a tree. Can also be used as a groundcover. Flowers are small but attractive. Blooms all year. Grown primarily as a larval host plant.

Useful for lakeshore stabilization, water quality improvement, wetland creation/restoration, and as a background plant for wetland ponds.

Has shiny, stiff leaves 2.5 to 5 inches long. Often used as a hedge plant. Fast growing. Can also work as an individual specimen. A good choice for dune stabilization.