Buttonwood

Conocarpus erectus L.

Origin: UF/IFAS: native to Florida, the Caribbean and South America

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: UF/IFAS makes no pet toxicity statement.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 10B to 11 per UF/IFAS (both the species and the silver variety)
Light: Full sun; it also copes with broken shade.
Water needs: low
Mature size: UF/IFAS (Florida): the species table gives 30 to 45 ft (9 to 14 m) tall and 20 to 30 ft (6 to 9 m) wide. The same page says it can reach about 40 ft (12 m) with a 20 ft (6 m) spread, and about 20 to 25 ft (6 to 8 m) tall and wide when planted in the open. Silver buttonwood (var. sericeus) is 15 to 20 ft (4.5 to 6 m) tall and wide.
Family: Combretaceae (UF/IFAS)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon