This species is almost endemic to Florida.  Its range overlaps into southern Georgia and southeastern Alabama. The range includes all of Florida though it is  only going to occur where soil, drainage, and fire conditions are appropriate.

The showy part of this plant is the bracts which are pink to lavender. Flowers are actually small, whitish to yellowish, with purple spots. Wildflower. Can be used in informal gardens or as individual plants in ones with a more tended look.

Specimen plant, hedge plant. Large shrub to small tree. Large, showy, shiny leaves.