Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS
Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

black ironwood, leadwood

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Krugiodendron ferreum

Family:

Rhamnaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

25-35 (30) ft.  Sometimes grows as a shrub.

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

greenish-white

Fruit Color:

black

Phenology:

Evergreen. Inconspicuous blooms in spring. Fruits ripen fall-winter.

Noted For:

Hurricane Wind Resistance, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant or small shade tree.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Friends

Propagation:

Seed. Do not store.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds, Mammals

Fruit eaten by birds and other wildlife.

Native Habitats:

Dry sites. Hammocks.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Fruit is said to be edible.

General Comments:

Known for very dense wood, hence the common name.  Said to have the heaviest wood on any American tree.