This is an ENDANGERED plant (listed both Florida and US). Please acquire this endemic plant only from a reputable source. One of several cactus species that is attacked by the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, which arrived in Florida in 1989, and this invasive species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Consolea corallicola and Opuntia cacti in North America. Specimen plant

Small wildflower in moist areas.

Further north, this can be a moderately large tree. Not typically grown but worth retaining if present as an understory tree.

There are two subspecies in Florida with somewhat different but overlapping distributions. Culture and uses in the landscape are similar. It is best to use local sources. Small wildflower. Typically seen in spring or after rain. Grows in small tufts. Plant in low border on intermixed with a groundcover. Inconspicuous when not in bloom. Individual plants are short-lived perennials, but clumps persist for many years.

Slow growing; hard, strong wood. This tree has an erect form with a single trunk and a spreading crown. Specimen tree. Understory tree in mesic woods and on slopes.  Similar to sugar maple, but much smaller.

This is listed by the USFWS as Endangered and may require landowner permission and/or permits to transplant. Please do not disturb this species unless this is a plant rescue. Wildflower garden.

In natural settings, benefits from fire. Bog gardens.

Given that this is short-lived (biennial) and difficult to transplant or grow from seed, this is perhaps best encouraged in places where it grows naturally.  Minimizing competition from other plants, and perhaps burning the garden area, may be useful.  This plant appears to have a seedbank with seeds that may sprout over an extended period of years if conditions are right. The range of this plant in Florida appears to be disjunct though how much of this is due to site conditions and how much could be an artifact of forestry practices is unknown. Wildflower garden where it can be used as a specimen plant.

Don't confuse this native with its invasive relatives: taro (Colocasia esculenta) and malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), which have been widely planted as crops and/or ornamentals in Florida. Use in a water garden.