Guaiacum sanctum

lignum-vitae

Zygophyllaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

8-15 (25) ft 

Life Span:

long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

purple

Fruit Color:

orange

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms mostly in spring.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits, Hurricane Wind Resistance, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant.

Considerations:

Very slow growing--as little as an inch per year after the seedling stage if not fertilized.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---- to ---- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Lime Rock

Suitable to Grow In:

9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies, Caterpillars, Birds

Larval host plant for lyside sulphur ( Kricogonia lyside ) butterflies. ( IRC  and Hammer)





Attracts bees and butterflies.

 Catbirds and mockingbirds eat the seeds. ( IRC )

Native Habitats:

Rockland hammock.