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.

Informal shady semi-shady gardens.

Primarily useful for coastal restoration projects.

Rare. Listed by the FACS as Threatened.  Please acquire only from reputable dalers with appropriate permits. Screen or buffer plant. Specimen shrub.

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.

Benefits from controlled burns. There are contradictions in herbarium databases, and reliable observations in counties where there are no herbarium specimens. Probably native in low abundance in dry (xeric) native grasslands and open pinelands throughout the state. Makes a colorful contribution to a native plant meadow. Becomes darker (more purple) after pollination. When flowering, the stem needs support from surrounding plants. It is primarily a fall bloomer.

Use along streams or edges of retention areas. Can be a screen or specimen tree in moist areas. Blooms better in moderate to high light settings.

Edible, very hot fruits

Moist wildflower garden.

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.

This is a State-endangered species.  Please honor all state regulations regarding growing and transport of this species. Plant in wet prairie setting, wet wildflower garden

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.

Specimen shrub.  Thorniness makes it a good property edge hedge.