Krugiodendron ferreum
 
Common Names Black Ironwood, Leadwood, Ironwood
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A slow-growing native tree of South Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, Krugiodendron ferreum is prized for its dense wood, glossy foliage, and resilience in harsh coastal conditions. Found in rockland hammocks and dry uplands, it withstands drought, salt wind, and hurricane-force gusts. Though its flowers are inconspicuous, its architectural form and ecological value make it a standout in restoration and native landscapes.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright shrub to small tree; rounded canopy; often multi-trunked
Height: Typically 15–30 ft (4.5–9 m); may reach 35 ft in ideal conditions
Leaves: Opposite; simple; elliptic to obovate; leathery; dark green; margins entire; apices often notched
Bark: Smooth to slightly fissured; gray to brown; may host lichens
Flowers: Small; greenish-white; axillary clusters; bloom in spring; no petals
Fruit: Drupe; purple-black when ripe; edible; attracts birds
Ecology: Supports birds and wildlife; fruit consumed by migratory species; extremely dense wood—among the heaviest in North America2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Low; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy, rocky, or limestone-based; well-drained; calcareous (high pH)
Temperature: Hardy to ~27°F (–2.8°C); protect from prolonged frost
Humidity: High tolerance; ideal for coastal and hammock conditions
Propagation: Seed; must be planted fresh
Tolerance: Salt wind, drought, hurricane winds, brief inundation
 
Landscape Use Ideal for coastal buffers, hammock-edge restoration, and specimen plantings. Use in dry native beds or as a slow-growing accent in limestone gardens. Pairs well with Simarouba glauca, Eugenia foetida, and Jacquinia keyensis.