Slower growing and generally smaller than live oak. Extremely drought tolerant. In environments where there is fire, this is often a small clonal shrub or cluster of small trees. Specimen tree, shade tree. Thicket in dry sandy areas.

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.

Use in a wildflower garden. Good for roadside wilflower plantings.

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.