Krugiodendron ferreum

Black Ironwood, Leadwood

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:	Interesting foliage, Hurricane wind resistance

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:	Specimen plant or small shade tree.
Propagation:	Seed. Do not store.
Availability:	Friends, Native nurseries, FNPS plant sales
Light:	Full Sun,  Part Shade
Moisture Tolerance:	always floodedextremely dry
	(Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods)
Moisture Tolerance:	Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:	Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:	Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).
Soil or other substrate:	Humus (organic, upland), Lime rock, Sand
Soil pH:	Calcareous (high pH)

Ecology

Wildlife:	Fruit eaten by birds and other wildlife.
Insects:
Native Habitats:	Dry sites. Hammocks.

Distribution and Planting Zones

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.