Host plant for Zestos Skipper butterfly which is believed to be extirpated (extinct) in FLorida. Also used by Cassius blue, longtailed skipper, and Zarucco duskywing Grown by enthusiasts.

Adaptable to the casual or wildflower garden. Can be used as groundcover or border plant. Naturalizes.

Based on BONAP maps, the ISB maps and specimens, and one author's personal observations, the range of this species appears to be those parts of the coastal plain and adjacent areas of sandhill where there are seepage wetlands.  The range extend from Mississippi to South Carolina.  It may be excluded from the southern half of the Florida peninsula temperatures unsuitable for its reproduction. This grows as a viney shrubl. Can be grown as a shrub if pruned but could also be trained against an arbor or post.

Specimen tree. Red to yellow in the fall.