May be semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants which makes it challenging to grow. Best planted near a potential host such as an oak. May die back in winter in northern parts of its range, Hedge plant, wildlife plant. Large shrub which can be trained as a tree in the right conditions. Crown is narrow and irregular and the trunks and branches are crooked or twisting.

Ground cover in  wet to moist areas.

Tolerates winter flooding. This is a wetland plant. It is rarely grown, but it has potential in appropriate sites. Wet wildflower garden. For appearance, cut back to the ground in winter.

The species is hermaphroditic (monecious), meaning flowers have both male and female reproductive structures on the same plant. This is a near-endemic meaning that it occurs mostly in Florida with a few outlying populations in Georgia and South Carolina. Moist wildflower gardens.

This species is listed as invasive in parts of the world where it is not native. Water garden, planting of surface water management pond. Often used as an aquarium plant.

Specimen plant, screen plantings, sometimes with unusual or weeping form.

Depending on the weather, this may be either an annual or perennial in Florida. Informal gardens in wet sites.