The range includes all of peninsular Florida and the southern parts of Georgia, and Alabama. Best used as a wildflower as it has a relatively short lifespan.

Restoration proects and casual moist-site plantings.

Sawgrass is a sedge, not a grass. It was this plant that Marjory Stoneman Douglas referred to in her seminal work: "The Everglades: River of Grass." A second species (C. mariscoides) occurs in a limited area in north Florida.  Its uses and culture are similar. Typically used in wetland restoration. Also useful for planting in brackish settings where an emergent aquatic is desired. Spreads rapidly to cover large areas.

Grow on a trellis, but keep it fairly short to keep the flowers at a level where they will be enjoyed. Can be grown as a container plant.

Retain in the landscape for coastal protection where present. Used for dune restoration.

Three species occur in Florida. Please plant your local variety. Wildflower garden where it is very showy in late summer/early fall.

May be semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants which makes it challenging to grow. Best planted near a potential host such as an oak. May die back in winter in northern parts of its range, Hedge plant, wildlife plant. Large shrub which can be trained as a tree in the right conditions. Crown is narrow and irregular and the trunks and branches are crooked or twisting.