FNPS Plant Database
Colubrina elliptica
soldierwood
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Nomenclature
Common Name:
soldierwood
Synonym(s):
Genus species:
Colubrina elliptica
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
tree
Size:
10-20 (40) ft
Life Span:
long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
yellow, green
Fruit Color:
orange, red
Phenology:
evergreen; blooms year round
Noted For:
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Small specimen tree or large shrub. Background edge and screen plantings.
Considerations:
Availability:
Propagation:
seed
Light:
Moisture Tolerance:
Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry
Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Short very dry periods
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray
Soil or Other Substrate:
Lime Rock, Humus (organic, upland)
Soil pH:
calcareous (high pH)
Suitable to Grow In:
10A, 10B, 11
USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology
Wildlife:
Attracts abundant insects including bees, wasps, butterflies, and diurnal moths. The species is considered a honey plant, furnishing both nectar and pollen to non-native honeybees.
Native Habitats:
tropical rockland hammock
Natural Range in Florida:
Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants
Comments:
Ethnobotany:
General Comments:
Citations:
Osorio, Rufino. 2001. A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.
