Fronds are lacy and delicate in appearance. Ground cover. This is a clump-forming fern (all fronds arise from a central point) making it a good focal point in a shade garden. Can also be used as a border plant.

Blooms open late in the day and remain open through the night. Fragrant. Can be agrown as an anuual north of its native range.  Considered to be invasive in subtropical and tropical areas outside of its natural range. Recommended only for use where it can be controlled such as on a trellis or in areas where expansive growth is appropriate. Rain gardens or bioswales.

Lacy specimen plant in wet settings. Useful in fern gardens or beside a shady water feature. Useful around drainage ponds.

The range map for this species suggests that it might occur in the ApalachicolaRiver floodplains even where it had not been documented. Shade tree. This is a large oak.

Forming a thicket for wildlife protection.

Specimen tree, can also be containerized, hedge plant, patio plant, or median plant.

Naturalistic woodland landscapes.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

It's paint-chip white and brown-green bark provides winter interest. The natural range is from  north Florida into southern Canada.  This species has been planted well south of its range and is occasionally collected from places (such as the median of I-75, near old homesites,  and near mine reclaimation areas) where it likely got there due to man's activities.  It has also been widely planted in mined areas. Frequently used as a yard tree or as a shade tree in parks. Best used where its large size won't overwhelm the surroundings.

Florida has a number of Phlox species, almost all found in forested settings. The common roadside species (Phlox drummondii) is not a Florida native (Texas) -- it is a North American native and not believed to be harmful to the ecology of Florida as it spreads almost exclusively in disturbed, sunny areas (old fields, roadsides). Phlox can be either annual or perennial depending on species. Most grow as annuals. We encourage you to use species found naturally in your area.  Some phlox are annuals; some are perennial. Wildflower garden, typically q shade garden.

Sensitize to cold weather. Small specimen plant, foundation planting, general cover plant in shaded areas.

Specimen tree. Use only where roots will be undisturbed.