Widespread but sparse distribution in Florida largely based on where limestone is exposed at the surface.  If you have limestone it is appropriate to plant it even if the location is not shown on the map. Small specimen plant or groundcover. Also grows well as a container plant. A good addition to a rock garden. Prefers settings that are well drained but moist (Osario 2001).  Note that the range, as shown is where limestore is is near the surface.  If you have it planted near concrete or limestore, it should do well throughout Florida.

In a 2020 study of salt in irrigation water (https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/55/7/article-p1119.xml), this species was found to be moderately tolerants of salt (at concentrations considered to be brackish) in the rooting medium.  Plant survival and health were better at lower salt concentrations.  Salt wind tolerance was based on known occurrences of this plant in near-shore, open areas near the east coast of Florida. Informal garden planting.

Its more upland relative, Nyssa sylvatica, grows well in sandy uplands and is highly similar in appearance. Somewhat slow growing. Grows naturally in swamps and best planted in moist areas. For moist settings, it is appropriate both as a shade tree and as a fall-color specimen tree in those parts of the state that get good fall cooling.

The range extends from Texas to North Carolina mostly in the coastal plan and adjacent areas of sandy hills.  In Florida, the range is continuous down to central Florida and then peters out, a pattern that largely corresponds to climate (temperature patterns).  This species should grow well from the central peninsula northward. Can be used as a specimen plant, hedge (can be trimmed), shelter plant, or wildlife thicket. Appreciated for its shiny dark foliage.

Wildflower garden. This is a small but pretty little plant. Grow it in a moist wildflower garden.

While native in Florida, this species is invasive in other areas, especially the Pacific Northwest. Aquatic species with floating leaves and flowers. Spreads in appropriate water bodies.

In the opinion of this author, this species has a weedy look.  Occurs throughout Florida but is more frequent in flatwoods pond settings and small floodplains than in areas of sandy ridges. Clump forming, suitable for planting toward the back of a moist wildflower garden.

This is a wetland plant. It is rarely grown, but it has potential in appropriate sites. Background screen in wet garden