Quailberry
Crossopetalum ilicifolium
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 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 Quailberry
Quailberry (Crossopetalum ilicifolium) is a low-growing native groundcover shrub with small holly-like leaves, inconspicuous flowers, and showy bright red berries valued by wildlife. Native to South Florida pinelands and coastal scrub, it grows in zones 9-11 and is suitable as a drought-tolerant groundcover for NE Florida in well-drained alkaline or sandy soils. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Grows in full sun to partial shade; tolerates the heat and sun exposure typical of NE Florida's open scrub and pineland habitats.
Highly drought tolerant once established; thrives on natural rainfall in NE Florida. Water occasionally during prolonged dry periods. Avoid poorly drained or wet sites.
Prefers well-drained sandy or calcareous alkaline soils. Requires very little fertilization; use a light application of slow-release palm or native-plant fertilizer if growth is poor.
Similar needs
Firebush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Florida Privet
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Silverthorn
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Spanish Stopper
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Wall Germander
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Quailberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Quailberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 0.5-1 foot (typically 6-12 inches) × 1-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 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.