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How to Grow Buttonwood

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Buttonwood

Conocarpus erectus

tree

Buttonwood is a tropical to subtropical coastal tree native to Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of Florida. It produces distinctive button-like seed clusters and thrives in salt-tolerant, maritime environments. The tree is valued for its ornamental foliage, ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions, and wildlife benefits.

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Example Buttonwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Buttonwood

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Buttonwood

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Buttonwood dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade
💧
Water: Moderate watering when established; drought-tolerant once mature. Water regularly during first year establishment. Tolerates salt spray and coastal conditions.
📏
Spacing: 120 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Variable; reaches mature size in 10-15 years
🌱
Planting depth: Same depth as root ball for transplants; seeds sown at surface or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Sandy, well-draining soil; tolerates poor, sandy, or calcareous soils
pH: 6.0-8.0
Amendments:
Compost for potted plants Mulch to retain moisture in sandy soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown in zone 9b with protection

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

4-8 weeks

Small herbaceous growth with simple, narrow leaves; establishes root system

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; protect from extreme temperature fluctuations

2

Young Tree

1-3 years

Develops woody stem and branching structure; foliage becomes more established

Provide staking support if needed; reduce watering gradually as hardiness increases; light pruning to shape

3

Flowering

Spring through summer (warm climates)

Small inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in clusters

Minimal intervention needed; ensure adequate sunlight for flower production

4

Fruiting & Button Formation

Summer through fall

Distinctive round button-like fruit clusters develop, turning reddish-brown at maturity

Monitor for pests; fruit attracts wildlife; no special care required

5

Mature Tree

Ongoing; long-lived tree

Established canopy with dense foliage; reaching 25-40 feet tall; persistent button seed clusters

Minimal watering once established; occasional pruning for shape; extremely salt and drought tolerant

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sea Grape Mahogany Gumbo Limbo Cocoplum Seashore Myrtle

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soils Acid-loving plants in calcareous soils

Common Pests

  • Prune infested branches; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil in early morning

  • Increase water spray to dislodge; use insecticidal soap for severe infestations

  • Spray foliage with water; apply miticide if severe

Uses

🏠

Coastal Landscaping & Windbreak

Household

Buttonwood's salt tolerance and sturdy structure make it excellent for coastal gardens, dune stabilization, and wind protection in salt-spray environments where other trees struggle. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Native Species Support

Wildlife

The tree provides food and shelter for numerous birds, insects, and other wildlife, particularly in coastal ecosystems. Button fruits attract birds and small mammals. [source]

🌿

Ornamental Foliage & Specimen Tree

Ornamental

The fine-textured silver-green foliage and distinctive button seed clusters provide year-round ornamental interest, making it a striking focal point in tropical and subtropical landscapes. [source]

💊

Traditional Folk Medicine

Medicinal

In Caribbean and tropical cultures, buttonwood bark and leaves have been used in traditional remedies for various ailments, though scientific validation of efficacy is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Buttonwood is not typically harvested for food or commercial products. Seeds can be collected once button clusters dry and split open naturally. Collect cuttings in spring for propagation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The common name 'buttonwood' derives from the distinctive round, button-like fruit clusters that remain on the tree long after seeds disperse, creating a visually unique feature.
  • 🌱 Buttonwood is one of the most salt-tolerant trees, capable of thriving in brackish and saline soils where most plants cannot survive, making it invaluable for coastal restoration.
  • 🌱 The tree has been used historically in Florida as a pioneer species for mangrove restoration and coastal revegetation projects.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade
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