Listed as Endangered by the State of Florida. Small tree or large shrub known for its shiny leaves. Can be used in difficult sites (such as road edges, spoil piles, etc.).

Designated as the Florida State Tree.  Trees on coastal islands in the Big Bend area are failing to reproduce due to sea level rise, and islands in the marshes are getting progressively smaller. Does not produce wood with annual rings like most trees. It lives as a shrub for ten years or more until its trunk has achieved enough girth before it starts adding height. Its trunk will not add girth once this happens and palms do not have the ability to heal wounds or gouges in the trunk--so be careful with your palms. Specimen plant or in a hurricane resistant grove.

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.

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.

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.

This is a rare Florida native that is listed as Endangered by the USFWS.  Please obey all applicable laws and regulations.

Groundcover. Foliage is low and neat even during periods when there are no flowers (flowers in mid-spring). Plant not visible in winter. Can be naturalized in sunny areas. Can be used as a border plant or in a damp meadow.