Shrub
Tough Bully
Sideroxylon tenax
Varieties We Carry
StandardSideroxylon tenax
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size15-25 feet × 10-20 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
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.
Water
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
From $7.95Same conditions
Deerberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Firebush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Florida Privet
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Quailberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Rusty Lyonia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
You may also like
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.