Tree
Bitterbush
Picramnia pentandra
Varieties We Carry
StandardPicramnia pentandra
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size10-15 feet × 5 feet
About Bitterbush
Florida Bitterbush (Picramnia pentandra) is a rare evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical hammocks of South Florida and the Caribbean, with compound leaves, small greenish flowers, and red to black berries that attract wildlife. It is a larval host for several butterflies but is primarily a South Florida species — in NE Florida zone 9b it requires a frost-protected microclimate. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Tolerates full sun to partial shade; in NE Florida's intense heat, some afternoon shade is beneficial. This species is native to shaded tropical hammocks and performs well in dappled light under larger trees.
Water
Maintain moderate, consistent moisture in well-drained soil. This rare Florida native tolerates occasional dry periods once established but performs best with regular watering. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil & Fertilizer
Grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Fertilize lightly with a balanced slow-release fertilizer once or twice yearly. This tropical species is best suited to protected, frost-free microclimates in NE Florida — note its natural range is South Florida, and it may suffer cold damage in zone 9b winters.
Similar needs
Autograph Tree
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
From $14.95Same conditions
Fiddlewood
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
From $24.95Same conditions
Japanese Maple
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and sandy.
From $135.00Same conditions
Podocarpus
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
From $14.95Same conditions
Powder Puff
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
From $14.95Same conditions
Red Buckeye
Shares 3 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, and sandy.
From $9.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Bitterbush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bitterbush is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 10-15 feet × 5 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.