Grows well well north of its native range.  Documented in very southern counties with an outlier in Martin County -- that outlier is also unique in that it was collected near a cypress dome. Closely related to corn, this species has been crossed with maize to produce a corn that is resistant to Helminthosporium turcicum, the fungus that causes northern leaf blight  (Wikipedia). Listed as Threatened in Florida. Informal borders.

Listed as Endangered in Florida. Please acquire only from reputable nurseries. The US range is limited to Florida. Globally, it is also found in the West Indies. Accent shrub, screen plant if used as a hedge.

Very easily grown. Flowers are fairly small but very numerous. Plant on a trellis or fence.

Very thorny. In the northern parts of its range, a thornless cultivar is planted. Specimen tree. To avoid insect issues, best not to plant in large numbers.

Red/orange fall color is excellent. Leaves have three separate shapes: ovoid, tri-lobed, or mitten-shaped (left or right). Mature trees tend to have fewer lobed leaves. Subject to laurel wilt disease.  Please be careful not to move firewood or dead wood around.  Best not planted in areas where laurel wilt is present. A relatively small tree that often forms thickets. Best used in informal settings.

Informal shady semi-shady gardens.

Primarily useful for coastal restoration projects.

Understory tree, use as a background plant or screen.

Natural areas with some trees and vines for support

Shade tree where falling/fallen nuts will not be a problem.

Edible, very hot fruits

Moist wildflower garden.

Called elephant's foot because of the flat basal leaf formation. Meadows and wildflower gardens.

Specimen plant, typically forms clumps of stems,the young fan-shaped fronds hide the principal stems. The lower fronds can be removed so that the trunks can be clearly seen. Sometimes used as a street tree.

It's a legume, so nitrogen fixation may help it survive in low nutrient soils. Fast growing. Shade tree. Attractive for its lacy foliage. Does well as a street tree.

This is one of Florida's more widespread spiderlilies. It is sometimes seen in roadside ditches. It is feasible to transplant this species if a plant rescue is needed. However note, a permit may be required. Retain it if in its natural setting. Plant in a moist setting.