The range of Prunus serotina includes most of eastern North America as far north as southern Canada.  It extends west into Texas and there are spotty occurrences as far west as Arizona.  In Florida, the range appears to be continuous as far south as the central peninsula after which it disappears, a pattern generally associated with temperature.  This species should grow well down to the central peninsula. Some people consider this to be a weed tree.  This author has it in my "field" where it is thriving and very welcome.  It is an early successional tree, but not a problem plant.  The tree lis an important component of deciduous forests in north Florida and eastern North America. Shade tree. Useful for informal reforestation of old grove land.

Primarily useful for coastal restoration projects.

Understory tree, use as a background plant or screen.

Specimen shrub. Fine foliage. Does well adjacent to structures or woods.

This is a protected plant as it is of major importance to the stabilization of beach dunes. Specimen plant. Mass plantings on beach dunes for stabilization. Seed heads useful in dried arrangements.

This is a wetland plant. It is rarely grown, but it has potential in appropriate sites. Specimen plant or background screen for wet places.

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

Hedges, screens.

Edible, very hot fruits

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

Some literature sources suggest that this species may have some salt tolerance as it apparently grows along the upper edges of some salt marshes, but so far as we have seen recorded, not in Florida. Moist/wet wildflower garden.

Groundcover in moist areas. Can be mowed.

Has considerable winter interest as its bark is smooth and red. Wet site hedge, wet site specimen plant especially if a clump is suitable.Rarely planted but considerable value especially in areas where most shrubs are bare during the winter.

Foliage is fine-textured. Fast growing. Subject to root problems in poorly drained areas. Highly flammible and old trees are weak.  Think twice about placing a building in a sand pine forest. Forest plantings for dry sites, specimen tree. Best not planted adjacent to buildings.

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.

Wildflower garden, groundcover

Used extensively in Indian cultures. Fruits are very high in Vitamin C. Casual settings, wetland edge or screen plant. Rain gardens and bioswales. Long bloom period.