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.

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.

Understory tree, use as a background plant or screen.

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

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

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

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.

Hedges, screens.

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.

They are included here because they are valuable to insects and because they are lovely and good to have in a native garden if you are lucky enough to have them naturally.   Data on culture has been assumed from where this grows in nature -- it is not typically grown and no reliable data appears to be available. Can parasatize southern pines leading, in heavy infestations, to loss of vigor. Retain in semi-natural gardens.

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

One of the authors has had this plant for years in central Florida, but she and at least some others have not seen it bloom here. Another is in north Florida, and it blooms for her. Wildflower beds. This can be a large plant and it will multiply, so give it space.

Curiosity in wetland gardens.