Understory shrub.

The tuber of this plant is edible and very crisp; it adds texture to salads.  The tuber has a segmented appearance reminiscent of a rattlesnake tail. This plant can be mowed and used in a "freedom lawn" but be aware that it spreads.  The plant was considered to be a Florida endemic but began to spread in the 1940s and 1950s.  It is known as an aggressive weed in most areas outside of Florida. In a meadow, where its aggressiveness is an asset. Can be a low maintenance roadside plant. Difficult to recommend for most landscape uses.

The distribution mimics the distribution of steepheads, a stream/valley system that originates in a very steep-headed ravine where the water seeps out of the ground to form a stream, and the headwall gradually moves uphill due to the water exiting the ground undermining it. Screen or specimen plant in shady wet settings.

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

Fruit is a white berry with indigo pulp. Specimen plant. Shrub border or foundation plant. Will tolerate shearing. Valued for its shiny foliage and dense branching.

Multi-stemmed. A single stem is a curiosity. A large multi-stemmed plant is a long-blooming wonder. Despite the common name, this species has sweet-smelling flowers. The range of this species extends from central Texas east and north into southern New England.  It is represented in Florida by a few isolated occurrences in northwest Florida. Specimen shrub

Moist wildflower garden.

Can be used as an accent plant or grown in the mid-rear of the garden. Also suitable in wildflower gardens. Its broad tolerance of soil and moisture conditions make it a good plant for difficult places. More robust if grown in fertile soils.

Use as a specimen plant or understory tree. May be single or multi-stemmed.