SelecTree: Tree Detail
BUTTONWOOD
Conocarpus erectus
Photo Locations: National Arboretum - Washington, DC and Foster Botanical Garden - Honolulu, HI
General Notes
Branches droop but resist breakage.
Native to North America.
Family: Combretaceae
Synonyms
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus
Additional Common Names
BUTTONWOOD, Silver Buttonwood
Tree Characteristics
Vase Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 30 - 35 feet.
Width: 20 - 30 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 36 Inches per Year.
Leaves Ovate, Silver or Blue Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers Inconspicuous. Purple or White. Flowers in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Persistent, Brown or Red Winged Seed, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate to Moderately Dense in Leaf.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 - 11.
Exposure Full Sun.
Wet but Well Drained Soil.
Drought tolerant.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Acidic to Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Coastal Good.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in South Coast.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Sooty Mold.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
Special Uses & Values
Specimen, Shade Tree, Street Tree, Buffer Strip or Screen.
Bonsai or Hedged.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Conocarpus erectus Tree Record." 1995-2019. Nov 22, 2019.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/conocarpus-erectus >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.