While it is related to chestnuts, its not generally subject to chestnut blight, and if it gets it, will likely recover. Natural settings as a small shade tree or large shrub.

Invasive in many parts of the world.  It is either a blessing or a pest in Florida depending on where it is. Good addition to a freedom lawn.

In the wild, Torreya is dying out due to disease. If choosing to plant this species, obtain disease-free (out-of-state) specimens and plant well-removed from the Apalachicola River so that the planted specimens will not become infected. This is a federally endangered species, it cannot be transplanted or transported without landowner permission and/or appropriate permits. There are also issues with planting this since the disease is easily transmittable (Chapman 2019).  Bottom line, this is not something to do without consulting conservation specialists. To participate in FNPS restoration and protection efforts for this species, see http://torreyakeepers.fnps.org. Specimen tree.

Sensitize to cold weather. Small specimen plant, foundation planting, general cover plant in shaded areas.

The range map for this species suggests that it might occur in the ApalachicolaRiver floodplains even where it had not been documented. Shade tree. This is a large oak.

Wildflower garden.

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

This is listed as Endangered by the FDACS.  Please acquire from reputable sources with appropriate permits. Use on trellis or scramble up a mature tree.

There is potential name confusion with this species since it was formerly considered to be a subspecies of O. hirtellus (Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. setarius) The Florida Plant Atlas indicates that Oplismenus setarius is common in Florida. O. hirtellus (not the subspecies) has been documented from only one Florida county, and it is a non-native. This is a low groundcover that can be effective seasonally as a low-use turf in shady locations.

While this tree has a limited native distribution in Florida, it also occurs as far west as Texas in similar types of settings. Shade tree. Can be used as a street tree. Yellow fall color.

In nature, this grows in habitats with frequent fire.  In the garden, it will grow best if you remove built-up thatch (or burn it once every few years if you can). Bunching grass in a wildflower garden. Border of walkways. This is a low plant, so best used near the front of a group planting.

USF Plant Atlas location in Hillsborough appears to have been from seed in imported soil - the one in St. Lucie County has been removed from the FLAS database (likely it was an error). The Institute for Regional Conservation reports the species to be extirpated in Florida  though it is occasionally cultivated, potentially from imported plants.  Images provided here are from a specimen cultivated by Roger Hammer. Use as a specimen plant.

Wildflower in moist garden, edge of water garden, understory plant in wet woods or stream edges

For special uses only. This tall growing vine can hide unsightly objects in moist places and is useful to providing cover for wildlife and food for birds. When grown on a fence or arbor, new leaves can be bright red in color.

Pitchers (leaves) are mostly green with red coloration near the upper parts. Bog gardens.

Retain if in the landscape. Can be used as a specimen plant in areas not subject to root disturbance.

Wildflower garden. Flowers in spring and summer.

Use in moist areas as a wildflower. It is semi-woody, and if given adequate moisture can be a specimen plant.

May need trimming to form a single trunk tree for landscaping. Makes an excellent specimen tree due to the corky wings on its twigs. Older speciments are good shade trees.

The Florida Wildflower Foundation has a good pamphlet that includes culture of this species. Gray-green, fine foliage, border plant or individual speciments in a wildflower garden.

Listed as Endangered in Florida.  Please follow all State requirements for growing and transporting this species. Best used as a shoreline plant in the Sand Hill Lakes region of Bay and Washington counties. Treat as a thin, lacy background plant with shiny bark.