Rustweed

Thrives in full sun; a Florida native found only in sunny, open habitats including sandhills, roadsides, and pine flatwoods. Does not tolerate shade.

Very low water needs once established; naturally grows in dry sandy soils and tolerates drought and periodic wet conditions typical of Florida flatwoods. No supplemental irrigation needed after establishment.

Grows in low-nutrient, sandy or loamy acidic soils; no fertilizer needed. Avoid enriched or heavily amended soils — rustweed is adapted to the poor, well-drained to seasonally wet soils of NE Florida's native habitats.