Tree
Buttonwood
Conocarpus erectus
Varieties We Carry
SilverConocarpus erectus
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
7 galFrom$49.95
15 galFrom$125.00
30 galFrom$450.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size20-40 feet × 20-30 feet (can be maintained smaller with pruning)
About Buttonwood
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is a South Florida native evergreen tree or large shrub of coastal margins, valued for exceptional salt, wind, and drought tolerance. Its leathery gray-green leaves and button-like fruit clusters offer year-round ornamental interest. Note: it is marginally hardy in NE Florida (zone 9b) and may sustain freeze damage; plant only in sheltered sites. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun. Buttonwood demands maximum sun exposure and is best suited to coastal and south-facing exposures. It is not reliably cold-hardy in NE Florida (zone 9b) — plant only in sheltered, frost-protected microclimates or use as a large container specimen that can be protected.
Water
Moderately drought tolerant once established; tolerates periodic flooding and brackish or salty conditions. Water regularly during establishment; established trees can rely on rainfall in NE Florida's summer wet season.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adapts to sandy, loamy, or alkaline soils with good drainage. Fertilize lightly with a palm/citrus formula in spring; avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers. Note: buttonwood's primary range is South Florida — zone 9b performance is marginal and frost protection is advised.
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Common questions
Is Buttonwood a good plant for St. Augustine?
Buttonwood is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 20-40 feet × 20-30 feet (can be maintained smaller with pruning).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed June 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.