Tough Bully
Sideroxylon tenax
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 Tough Bully
Tough Bully (Sideroxylon tenax) is a Florida-native evergreen tree or large shrub of the sapodilla family, found in dry sandy pinelands, coastal scrub, and hammocks statewide. Its leathery dark green leaves have silvery-silky undersides, thorny stems attract pollinators to small white summer flowers, and the dark fruits are eaten by birds. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Tough Bully thrives in full sun and tolerates part sun; plant in an open, exposed site as it is native to Florida's dry sandy pinelands, dunes, and coastal hammocks.
Highly drought-tolerant once established; water occasionally during the first growing season to help roots establish, then rely on rainfall — overwatering in poorly drained soils is the main cultural pitfall.
Plant in dry to moderately moist, well-drained sandy soil typical of Florida scrub and pineland habitats; no regular fertilization needed — this native adapts to low-nutrient conditions without amendment.
Similar needs
Coral Bean
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Deerberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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.
Quailberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Rusty Lyonia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Tough Bully a good plant for St. Augustine?
Tough Bully is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-25 feet × 10-20 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.