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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a rare plant that should not be disturbed in the wild. Could be used as a border along sandy paths or walkways or as a foundation plant.

Specimen tree. Use only where roots will be undisturbed.

Closely related plants occur in the Caribbean and Central America. Yellow or orange flowering plants are not the Florida native. In recent years plants have been found growing wild near homesites in north Florida -- what you plant can escape into the wild if planted beyond the natural range. Please plant responsibly - this plant has the potential to be invasive when used outside of its natural range.   Please act responsibly. Specimen or hedge plant. Also works well in informal background thickets.

Small specimen tree or an understory tree.

Fragrant. Understory tree in moist areas.

Forming a thicket for wildlife protection.

This is one of the world's most widespread species. Multiple subspecies exist  within Florida with two being widespread. Because of its tolerance of acidic soils, this is sometimes used for reclamation of acidic soil areas. Adapted to relatively frequent fire. Groundcover. This is one of the few ferns that can handle sun. Height will depend on variety with bracken ferns from South Florida typically being much larger than those from further north.