Other Names:  Spiny Fiddlewood

Description:

A fast growing, evergreen shrub or small tree noted for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers and berries; chains of white flowers bloom all year-round, peaking in spring; fleshy orange berries turn brown, fading to black; a great accent or hedge

Ornamental Features

Florida Fiddlewood features showy chains of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers with buttery yellow throats hanging below the branches from late winter to late fall, which emerge from distinctive creamy white flower buds. It has attractive forest green foliage with light green undersides and tinges of chartreuse which emerges yellow in spring. The glossy pointy leaves are highly ornamental and remain forest green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy orange drupes which fade to dark brown over time, which are carried in abundance from early summer to mid spring.

Landscape Attributes

Florida Fiddlewood is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Florida Fiddlewood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Florida Fiddlewood will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This tree should be grown in a location with partial shade or which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant should not require much in the way of fertilizing once established, although it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America..