Very robust.  Forms large patches.  Given its potential to be very tall, it may needs to have support from adjacent plants.   Data on salt tolerance c , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Wildlife, Seeds eaten by small birds such as finches. , Habitat, Forests , Did You Know?, Showy flowers Attracts bumble bees, butterflies Larval host for the silvery checkerspot, found only in extreme north Florida.

Specimen plant, edge, understory shrub. Can be grown in a large container. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, Old leaf bases form long stiff spines. , Wildlife, Provides good wildlife cover. , Habitat, Moist-wet sites. Seep slope forests, regularly but shallowly inundated floodplains, seepage swamps especially associated with springs, hydric seepage , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage, Thorns Attracts beetles.

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a very destructive wood-boring beetle native to Asia. It was discovered in North America in July 2002, , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, The wood is soft. , Wildlife, Rodents and birds consume seed. , Habitat, Wet sites. Floodplains, swamps. Typically in areas with prolonged, deep inundation. , Did You Know?, Interesting foliage Larval host for eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) and viceroy (Limenitis archippus)