what trees grow in south florida

Citrus trees grow best in Central and South Florida. They include mandarins, tangerines, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and lime trees like the Kaffir. Each tree has a different maximum height, but the average range is between 15 to 30 feet tall.

Full Answer

What is the fastest growing tree in South Florida?

What are the Fastest Growing Shade Trees for Florida? The American sycamore, lombardy poplar, silver maple, and weeping willow are the fastest growing Florida shade trees. They can all grow more than 5 feet in a single year.

What is the most common tree in Florida?

5 Common Trees in Central FloridaLive Oak. This majestic tree is often seen in the background of many photo-op spots in Central Florida. ... Bald Cypress. ... Florida Pines. ... Florida Maple. ... Flowering Dogwood.

What is a good shade tree for South Florida?

The 5 Best Shade Trees For South FloridaBlack Olive (Bucida buceras)Live Oak Tree (Quercus virginiana)Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni)Ficus Tree (Ficus aurea)Gumbo Limbo (Bersera simaruba)

What are the tall skinny trees in Florida called?

These tall and unique trees are known as Gumbo-Limbo trees, which have many practical uses. Another plant native to South Florida is the Gumbo-Limbo Tree – a large tropical semi-evergreen tree that can rise to sixty feet high.

What is the best tree to plant in Florida?

31 Best Trees To Plant in Your Florida Home or Garden1.1 Bald Cypress.1.2 Banana.1.3 Black Olive.1.4 Buttonbush.1.5 Citrus.1.6 Crabapple.1.7 Crape Myrtle.1.8 Dogwood.More items...•

What tree is native to Florida?

Such "staples" of Florida horticulture as sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), southern red cedar (Juniperus silicicola), live oak (Quercusvirginiana), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), and ...

What is the fastest growing bush for privacy in Florida?

Willow Hybrid Trees If you're looking for privacy in a hurry, your best bet is the willow hybrid tree, thought to be the fastest growing tree for privacy and shade. This plant can grow more than 10 feet in a year, topping out at 35-40 feet. They're also hardy and they grow well in a variety of soil types.

What is the least messy shade tree?

In terms of shade trees, these are some of the cleanest, least messy around.Red Maple. Maple trees are ideal for providing shade and shape to any yard. ... Flowering Dogwood. ... Raywood Ash. ... Fruitless Mulberry. ... American Hornbeam. ... Japanese Zelkova. ... Sweetbay Magnolia. ... Fruitless Olive Trees.More items...•

What is the fastest growing tree for privacy?

What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.

What is the best tree to plant close to a house?

These include willow trees, poplars, cottonwoods, aspens, silver maples, Norway maples, and American elm trees, among others. Smaller trees with shallow roots, however, pose little risk to your home. Japanese maple trees, for instance, are safe to plant relatively close to your house.

What plant blooms year round in Florida?

Plants that grow well in Florida and Bloom Year-RoundLantana. For a low-maintenance, easy to grow, year-round bloomer that is both salt-, heat- and drought-tolerant, you cannot go wrong growing lantana. ... Blanket Flower. ... Mexican Heather. ... Hibiscus. ... Plumbago. ... Ixora. ... Gerbera. ... Firespike.More items...

What are the pine trees in Florida called?

Sand pine (Pinus clausa) True to its name, the sand pine is found in sandy areas throughout Florida. Look for this species in zones 7A through 10B. Unlike longleaf and loblolly pines, sand pines are small to medium-sized trees.

What are the large trees in Florida called?

The largest native tree in Florida is a bald cypress located in Hamilton County. This tree measures 557 inches in circumference, stands 84 feet tall, and carries a crown spread of 49 feet.

Does Florida have regular trees?

From small trees like redbuds to the majestic live oak, there's a Florida native tree for practically any home landscape. If you're looking for small trees, consider the redbud. In Central and North Florida, it puts on an amazing show each spring with a beautiful display of pink flowers.

What is the most popular tree in the South?

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) The Southern Live Oak is one of the most popular and evergreen trees that help in providing your landscape with a pleasant existence of long-term greenery. These trees have a medium to fast pace of growth and can reach a height of 40 to 80 feet.

What part of Florida has the most trees?

Tampa was ranked as the No. 1 city in the world to have the most trees.

Shade Trees in Florida

Living in Florida means an abundance of sunshine, hence the Sunshine State nickname. It’s nice to have shaded trees to provide a break from the sweltering sun and heat. Here is a list of shade trees that grow well in Florida.

Fruit Trees in Florida

There’s nothing better than having the ability to walk out onto your lawn and grab some fresh fruit from a fruit tree, and when you live in Florida, you have plenty of options and varieties of fruit you can plant. Here is a list of common fruit trees that do well in the Sunshine State.

Flowering Trees in Florida

Any Floridian knows that the Sunshine State does not have that autumn feel, as most of the leaves do not change color. However, let’s look at flowering trees that give some color that add to the greenery that is common in Florida landscapes.

Conclusion

Whether you live in Florida or visit occasionally, we hope our list has taught you how to spot the many different tree types in this tropical climate. From native, flowering, and fruit trees to shade trees, the options are limitless and add excellent décor to any landscaping.

What tree shade is best for a large yard in Florida?

A jack tree is another great option for shade in a large Florida yard.

How tall do maple trees grow in Florida?

Maple trees flourish in full sun and are drought-tolerant, so they grow well throughout Florida. They also grow quickly, reaching 60 feet tall in a couple of years. The canopy expands to about 25 feet wide, making it a lovely shade tree.

How high can a slash pine tree grow?

Slash pines are native to Florida and grow quickly in this climate. They can reach up to 100 feet high, with branches spreading 50 feet out. You can prune it to keep it more compact or allow it to grow and provide shade for your yard.

What do fig trees provide?

Fig trees provide shade from the hot Florida sun, as well as sweet fruit you can eat as is or in a recipe.

What is the hardiness zone for Florida?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists Florida’s plant hardiness zones as 8a through 11a. This map helps you understand the minimum extreme temperature for your area. You can narrow down what type of trees and plants can withstand these temperatures.

What is Florida known for?

Though any citrus tree can thrive in Florida, the state is most known for its oranges.

How long does a bald cypress tree live?

The bald cypress is a tree that can live for as long as 600 years. Native to Florida, It can grow over 100 feet tall and as much as 30 feet wide, so you need to ensure that you have the space for it. This tree flourishes in both wet and dry conditions, so you don’t have to worry about over or under-watering it.

What is the name of the area in Florida that has a flowering tree?

Nothing adds interest and color to a Florida landscape like flowering trees. After all, Ponce de Leon named the area “florido, ” which means “flowery” or “full of flowers” in Spanish, so adding a tree that produces colorful blooms only seems natural and there’s a large variety from which to select.

What type of banana tree grows in Florida?

Florida gardeners living in Central and South Florida will find a vast variety of banana (Musa spp.) tree varieties that will thrive in their landscapes giving any area a tropical effect.

What is a mahogany tree?

Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) trees are native popular shade trees used in frost-free landscapes in southern Florida. They quickly develop into beautiful specimens with a rounded canopy filled with 4-inch green leaves. Green, inconspicuous flowers bloom in springtime followed by brown and woody, 5-inch fruits.

How tall does a Jackfruit tree grow in Florida?

The evergreen tree makes a good shade tree, growing around 40 feet tall and covered in large, glossy green and leathery leaves.

How big do sycamore trees grow?

Hardy in North Florida and central areas of the state, native sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) trees develop into large trees growing up to 90 feet tall and 70 feet wide, so they require room to spread out.

How tall is Loblolly Bay?

Trees take on a columnar shape, growing anywhere from 35 to 60 feet tall with a spread of about half the height.

How big do mulberry trees grow in Florida?

Mulberry trees grow best in Central and North Florida, growing up to 30 feet tall with a similar width.

What are the best flowers to grow in Florida?

This is South Florida’s apple blossom tree , and it flowers with gorgeous white-pink blooms that appear in summer. There is a range of cassia trees, and the bonus is that they attract three types of Florida butterflies. Cassia fistula is known for its cascading flower clusters and often referred to as the Golden Shower Tree. Cassia Surattensis is a fast-growing that blooms twice annually. And, the Desert Cassia is the petite version, reaching up to 10 feet and blooming in spring and fall. This salt-tolerant evergreen can be the focal point of a butterfly garden.

How tall do lavender trees grow in Florida?

This medium-size tree creates vibrant, lavender flower clusters that are up to 12 inches in diameter. This large specimen tree can grow up to 40 feet tall. The drought-tolerant tree is easy to grow here in South Florida, but you do need to be mindful of its fragile bark and somewhat brittle branches. Strong winds can bring down these branches. For this reason, consider the planting location. (Avoid areas near parked cars, for example, where falling branches and debris could create damage.) The Jacaranda is often planted in parks, or as anchor trees in a community setting.

What color are dwarf poincianas?

The Dwarf Poinciana blooms with showy blossoms in combinations of orange-yellow, pink-rose and all yellow (the most rare to find). The compact size of this flowering tree makes it ideal for compact landscaped spaces, and you can even grow it in a large container.

What is silk floss tree?

Otherwise known as the silk floss tree, this stunning variety attracts parrots. It has a green trunk with large thorns that are spectacular and add textural interest to the landscape. The pink and white flowers are as large as 6 inches in diameter, creating a showy display. Their shape is similar to hibiscus blooms.

How often do yellow flowers crop up in Florida?

It produces yellow flowers that crop up several times a year. With proper trimming, the flowering tree can be maintained at a small to medium size. Let it grow and you’ll gain a large, shade tree with cover that offers reprieve from the South Florida sun.

When do salt tolerant trees bloom?

Flowers bloom February through May. The delicate looking tree is slow growing, so you’ll need to be patient. Once mature, its canopy creates an umbrella shape that provides shade.

What is the name of the flower that blooms twice a year?

Cassia fistula is known for its cascading flower clusters and often referred to as the Golden Shower Tree. Cassia Surattensis is a fast-growing that blooms twice annually. And, the Desert Cassia is the petite version, reaching up to 10 feet and blooming in spring and fall.

What zone is South Florida?

South Florida falls into the hardiness zones of 10 and 11, meaning certain plants thrive in this region of the state and can only be grown here, with few exceptions - some of these plants could potentially grow a bit closer to the southern tip of Central Florida. With that in mind, let us look at some fruit trees that you could grow comfortably in ...

Where are mangoes grown?

Fortunately for you, Florida is the largest producer of Mangos in the United States and is home to 16 varieties seeking to take root in your backyard. Typically, they are grown along the Eastern and Southern coasts of South Florida, and the South shore of Lake Okeechobee. Due to the many different variants of Mango, they can be harvested year-round.

Is lychee tree salt tolerant?

If you live in the Western portion of South Florida, regular watering is vital to reduce the build-up of salt in the ground – the Lychee tree is not salt tolerant. When the Lychee fruit turns from green to bright red, then they are ripe, and it is time to harvest and consume!

Can you grow bananas in Florida?

Regardless, several types of bananas can be grown in Florida, but the Dwarf Cavendish, or Musa Acuminata, is the most reliable type for homeowners to cultivate due to its disease resistance and cold-weather tolerance.

Is a banana tree a plant?

Banana trees are actually a giant herbaceous plant (an herb), but for simplicities sake, I will refer to Them as trees .

Do lychee trees need sun?

The young tree will require full Sun but if the Lychee tree is not used to too much light, slowly acclimate it to the Sun as sudden exposure could overwhelm it. Overall, the young tree is sensitive to light frost and overwatering but does perfectly well in native Florida soil.

Why are shade trees important in Florida?

Shade trees provide reprieve from the South Florida sun—they cool down your landscape and make outdoor spaces more enjoyable, even during the hottest times of day . Not to mention, shade trees are beautiful specimens! They introduce character, texture and color to the landscape year-round.

What is a ficus tree?

The ficus aurea has a fatter trunk than other ficus varieties, making it a stable shade tree, which is beneficial considering the tropical winds we can experience in this part of Florida. The ficus grows string-like shooters that drop down from the canopy and root into the ground to support larger branches. This behavior is how the tree earned the nickname, Florida strangler fig.

Why is the Gumbo Limbo tree called the Tourist Tree?

The gumbo limbo tree is joking referred to as Tourist Tree because of its red bark that peels back—like the sunburned skin of a tourist that forgot to wear sunscreen. Aside from its characteristic bark, the gumbo limbo tree grows branches that begin fairly low to the ground and splay out in an artistic fashion.

How big does a Ficus tree get?

In South Florida and The Keys, our native ficus is the ficus aurea, and it can grow up to 100 feet tall and 100 feet wide if left alone.

What is a live oak tree?

The live oak is a classic Southern shade tree, known for its canopy shape and dramatic arching branches that reach out horizontally from the trunk. These branches have reach—and uplighting them creates a beautiful effect at night. Birds and squirrels love to nest in live oaks, where they find food and plenty of cover.

Where do black olives grow?

Black Olive (Bucida buceras) The black olive tree is native to the Florida Keys and produces a small, black-seeded capsule—it’s not edible! It grows 40 to 50 feet tall, stays green year-round and features a smooth trunk that forms a full crown as it ages.

Is mahogany tree endangered in Florida?

Many natural Mahogany stands have been harvested for timber, so the tree is on Florida’s Endangered Tree list. As a native South Florida tree that produces a dense canopy, you’ll gain plenty of shade from the Mahogany.

Where to grow landscape plants in Florida?

Once you get to know Florida Landscape Plants, growing them is easy! If you live in the southern half of Florida - from (approximately) Tampa to Melbourne and southward - this guide's for YOU! Newbies -Discover new-to-you plants and how to grow them in sandy soil and blazing sun. Snowbirds - Find easy-going plants that can thrive ...

What is South Florida Plant Guide?

South-Florida-Plant-Guide strives to be a user-friendly reference and info website to give just the right amount of information homeowners need about Florida Landscape Plants.

Does South Florida Plant Guide sell personal information?

South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com does not sell any personal information. (See Privacy Policy)

How tall are small flowering trees in Florida?

Small flowering trees bring exciting color to any South Florida yard, large or small. Their smaller height - less than 20 feet tall - means you get to see more of the blooms since they're closer to eye-level. Low growing trees can be used as a full-fledged tree in a small yard, or as more of an accent in larger one.

What is a low growing tree?

Low growing trees can be used as a full-fledged tree in a small yard, or as more of an accent in larger one . Smaller Florida flowering trees can include shrubs trained to a single-trunk (called "standards") or those with multiple trunks.

What color flowers should I choose?

Use a color to complement or contrast with other colors in your landscaping. Avoid blooms the same color as your home's paint color so they don't "wash out" against a similar backdrop.

What color flowers attract butterflies?

Colorful blossoms draw attention to the spot you're trying to camouflage. An all green plant is a better choice. Many flowering trees of Florida have more benefits than just beautiful color...some attract butterflies and make a perfect specimen to anchor a butterfly garden.

Why do trees stand on one side of the yard?

several grouped close together as a small "stand" of trees on one side of the yard to balance a larger landscape element (such as a large shade tree) on the opposite side

Is a pink crape myrtle deciduous?

A few trees are deciduous, like the gorgeous Tuscarora pink crape myrtle pictured above. But trees that lose their leaves for the winter months will still be surrounded by greenery and other color, since our growing season is basically all year long. And winters here are short-lived.