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.

Foliage may be fragrant. Listed as Threatened by the state of Florida.  Please acquire only from reputable suppliers with appropriate permits and licenses. Useful as a screen or hedge plant. Typically used in natural landscapes. Used for dense foliage and shiny leaves.

Specimen shrub, woodland understory shrub, screen, shrub border, mass plantings

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

This subspecies has a broad distribution that extends west into Texas and north into northern New England.  It is found broadly but sporatically in Florida.  Our map shows where herbarium specimens have been submitted, but it should be appropriate to plant this plant almost anywhere in the northern 2/3 of the state.   To avoid inbreeding, do not plant this subspecies in a common garden with either the east- or west-coast dune sunflower. Beach-front gardens.  Wildflower gardens. Groundcover.

Persimmon wood is very hard and nearly black--it's in the ebony family. Typically grown for its fruit. Plant in full sun. Also useful as an early successional tree in old field restoration.

Shade tree. Relatively conical or oval in form. Straight trunk.