Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Jamaica-dogwood, fish-poison tree

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Piscidia piscipula

Family:

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

to 45 ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

pink,lavender

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

Deciduous. Blooms in spring before it leafs out.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Shade tree. Also good for hedge rows.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

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:

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Caterpillars

Larval host for cassius blue ( Leptotes cassius ) and hammock skipper ( Polygonus leo ) butterflies.





Attracts bee pollinators.

Native Habitats:

Dry sites. Hammocks, somewhat shady areas near the coast.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Native Americans used an extract from the bark, roots, twigs, and leaves to sedate fish, making them easier to catch. Has been used as a medicine.

General Comments: