Bitterbush
Picramnia pentandra
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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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.