Background shrub.

Restoration. Backdrop for a pond. Useful for water quality treatment.

Seeds float and can be dispersed by water. Noted as a sand stabilizer being one of the first plants to colonize active dunes. Pan-tropical. Makes a nice groundcover in an informal dry yard. In nature, it is an important stabilizer of beach dunes.

This is a wetland plant, but it will do well once established in a moist garden setting. Moist wildflower gardens. Easily grown along streams.

The scientific name Befaria racemosa was apparently an early transcription error. The genus is named after an 18th century Spanish botanist by the name of Bejar. Documented bees include Agapostemon splendens, Augochlorella aurata, A. gratiosa, Augochloropsis sumptuosa, Anthidiellum perplexum, Anthidium maculifrons, Megachile brevis pseudobrevis, M. mendica, M. petulans, Bombus impatiens and B. pennsylvanicus (Deyrup et al. 2002). Naturalistic settings. Conserve in residual natural settings if possible.

Listed as Threatened by the Florida FDACS. Host plant for mahogony mistletoe,Phoradendron rubrum, which is listed as Endangered by the Florida FDAS. There are reports that this tree is becoming invasive in southern Florida in some areas beyond its natural range. Street tree. Yard and park shade tree.

Keep it if you have it.

Wildflower in moist garden. Forms colonies.

Don't confuse this native with the non-native tropical or scarlet milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), that is often sold in big box stores, which has red and yellow flowers. Wet wildflower garden.

This is a rare plant.  Please acquire responsibly (don't steal from the wild). Not common in the nursery trade (we are aware of one North Florida nursery that sells it). Back up flower beds