Citharexylum spinosum
 
Common Names Florida Fiddlewood, Spiny Fiddlewood
 
Zones 10B–11
 
A glossy-leaved, evergreen tree native to South Florida, the Caribbean, and northern South America, Citharexylum spinosum is valued for its fragrant white flowers, wildlife-friendly fruit, and ornamental form. Though often grown as a multi-stemmed shrub, it can be trained into a small tree with a rounded, vase-like canopy. Its dense foliage and year-round flowering make it ideal for pollinator gardens, buffer plantings, and tropical restoration.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; multi-stemmed or single-trunked small tree
Height: Typically 15–35 ft (4.5–10.5 m); spread 8–25 ft (2.4–7.6 m)
Leaves: Alternate; simple; spatulate to elliptic; glossy dark green with orange petioles1
Flowers: Small, white, trumpet-shaped; fragrant; borne in terminal racemes up to 15 in (38 cm); bloom year-round, peak in spring and summer1
Fruit: Red to black drupes; 7–10 mm; attractive to birds
Ecology: Native to pine rocklands, hammocks, and coastal thickets; supports bees, butterflies, and frugivorous birds
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates limestone, sand, and loam
Temperature: Frost sensitive; protect below 40°F (4°C)
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Propagation: Seed or cuttings
Tolerance: Urban conditions, pruning, light salt exposure
 
Landscape Use Excellent for tropical hedges, pollinator corridors, and restoration in upland or coastal zones. Can be espaliered or used in parking lot islands and buffer strips. Pairs well with Guettarda scabra, Byrsonima lucida, and Psychotria nervosa.