This species is endangered in Florida. Please acquire only through reputable nurserymen. To maintain the genetic integrity of the species, please use only local (Florida) stock (the species also grows in the Caribbean). This species was almost eliminated from its Florida Keys natural populations by a combination of theft, vandalism, habitat destruction, and Hurricane Andrew. Specimen plant. The smooth old leaf bases give this palm an elegant tropical look. Good salt and wind tolerance make this a good choice for somewhat sheltered coastal settings.

Interesting buttressed trunks. Shade tree. Can be used in settings such as parking lot edges, street tree, etc.

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.

The fan-shaped leaves are about 3 feet across and have silvery undersides. Listed as Endangered by the FDACS.  Please act responsibly and acquire only from properly licensed nurseries. Specimen tree, understory tree. It grows slowly.

Wildflower garden.

This plant is easy to grow. Weak wood. Hedge plant, specimen plant, woodland plant. Plant where the silky brown/gold undersides of the foliage will be seen.

Bog gardens.

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.

The common name black mangrove is a reference to the color of the trunk and heartwood. The plant excretes salt from its leaves, an adaptation to a saline environment. Pneumataphores rise above the substrate and make this an important plant for coastline erosion prevention. This is a protected plant and you may not trim back or gather propagules without permission. Valued as a shoreline stabilization plant. Can also be used for screening.

High tolerance for salt spray (IFAS). Groundcover in dry, sunny settings.  Can also make a good soil stabilizer.

New leaves are rusty-orange. Easy to care for. Can grow as a small tree or a shrub. Use where this small tree's interesting shape will be an asset. Does well as a small specimen tree near walkways. Also useful as a screen in dry settings.

Hedge plant. Screen plant.

These species are, in combination, found throughout Florida and from a cultivation perspective, are very similar.  In nature, O. stricta tends to be in more coastal areas. Rarely grown but worthy of consideration in hot dry locations where the thorns are not an issue or are an asset. These cacti are attacked by the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, which arrived in Florida in 1989, and this invasive species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Opuntia cacti in North America. If it become a problem on an Opuntia used in landscaping, it is best treated by manual removal as insecticides can also kill native butterflies and pollinators. O. stricta is invasive in many warmer parts of the world including Australia, parts of Africa, and parts of Eurasia. Makes an interesting wildflower. Can be used as a low-growing hedge in hot, dry locations.

Would be nice to see this used more in restoration, but the hydrology and substrate need to be correct. Adapted to edge of marshes. Suited for use only where the hydrology matches its needs. Where present, protect by protection hydrology and water quality.