Any pruning should happen during the growing season, not when the plant is dormant. This small tree is listed as Endangered by the FDACS.  Please acquire from reputable sources with proper permits. Small specimen tree where its large leaves give it interest. Its large white flowers are an asset in mid-spring.

Very similar in appearance to several non-natives which are invasive pests, esp. N. cordifolia. If there are spherical tubers amongst the roots, it's N. cordifolia, the invasive tuberous swordfern.  In this vein, it appears that herbarium specimens from further north than indicated on our map have been reclassified as something other than N. exaltata.  We do not show those areas on our map. Groundcover especially in shady moist areas. Spreads by rhizomes.