Snow Squarestem
Melanthera nivea
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 23, 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 Snow Squarestem
Snow Squarestem (Melanthera nivea) is a native Florida perennial with distinctive square stems and bright white daisy-like flower heads that bloom over a long season. It naturalizes readily in disturbed open areas and is an important nectar source for butterflies and bees. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun to part sun; at least 6 hours of direct sun produces the most flowers and keeps plants compact. In NE Florida, it tolerates the full summer sun well once established.
Drought-tolerant once established; in NE Florida's sandy soils, water during the first growing season then reduce to rainfall supplementation. Tolerates both dry and periodically wet conditions — adaptable to rain gardens.
Thrives in NE Florida's sandy or loamy soils with no special amendments needed. This is a lean-soil native — avoid heavy fertilization, which causes excessive vegetative growth. Cut back rangy stems in late winter before new growth emerges; the plant reseeds freely.
Similar needs
Switchgrass
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Rustweed
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Alligator Flag
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Atamasco Lily
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Calla Lily
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Giant Ironweed
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
You may also like
PerennialAgapanthus
Agapanthus praecox
PerennialAlligator Flag
Thalia geniculata
PerennialAlocasia
Alocasia
Common questions
Is Snow Squarestem a good plant for St. Augustine?
Snow Squarestem is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-5 feet × 2-4 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.