Bourreria cassinifolia
 
Common Names Smooth Strongbark, Little Strongbark, Pineland Strongbark
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A rare, evergreen shrub native to South Florida and parts of the Caribbean, Bourreria cassinifolia is prized for its wildlife value and resilience in upland habitats. Listed as endangered in Florida, it thrives in pine rocklands and disturbed wet areas, offering nectar-rich white flowers and fleshy orange fruits that attract birds and butterflies.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright shrub; multi-stemmed; long-lived perennial
Height: Typically 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m); can reach up to 10 ft (3 m)
Leaves: Opposite; small, oval, scabrous or smooth; evergreen
Flowers: Small, white, 5-petaled; bloom summer to fall
Fruit: Orange, fleshy drupes; ripen fall to winter; up to 5 seeds per fruit
Ecology: Native to pine rocklands, marsh edges, and ruderal sites; attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies (including zebra longwings, sulphurs, and skippers)2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; prefers moist conditions with short dry periods
Soil: Calcareous, humus-rich, or limestone-based; upland substrate
Temperature: Subtropical; not frost tolerant
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in humid environments
Propagation: Seed (low germination rates), cuttings, or division
Tolerance: Low salt tolerance; not suitable for coastal exposure
 
Landscape Use Ideal for conservation gardens, upland restoration, and pollinator habitats. Use as an accent shrub or screen in native plantings. Pairs well with Byrsonima lucida, Croton linearis, and Psychotria nervosa.