Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is a tropical to subtropical evergreen tree in the family Combretaceae, native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and other parts of the Caribbean. It is also found along the Gulf Coast of the United States from Florida to Texas. The tree grows up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall and has a dense, round crown. The leaves are dark green and leathery, and the flowers are small and white. The fruit is a small, woody drupe.
Buttonwood is a popular landscaping tree in coastal areas due to its salt tolerance. It is also used as a windbreak, hedges, and for erosion control. The wood is heavy and hard, and is used for fuel, construction, and crafts.
How to care
Conocarpus is a low-maintenance tree that is tolerant of salt, wind, and drought. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade. The tree does not require much pruning, but can be trimmed to shape if desired. Buttonwood is susceptible to scale and root rot.
Water requirement:
Conocarpus is tolerant of drought and can withstand long periods of dry weather. However, young trees will benefit from regular watering during the first year or two after planting.
Fertilizer requirement:
Buttonwood does not require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Pruning:
Buttonwood can be pruned to shape if desired. However, the tree does not require much pruning.
Scale and root rot are the two main problems that buttonwood trees face. Scale can be controlled with regular applications of horticultural oil. Root rot can be prevented by planting buttonwood in well-drained soil.
Type of Soil:
Buttonwood grows best in sandy, well-drained soil.
When to Plant:
Buttonwood can be planted year-round in tropical and subtropical climates. In cooler climates, it is best to plant buttonwood in the spring or fall.
Where to Plant:
Buttonwood can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It is also tolerant of salt and wind.
How to Plant:
Buttonwood can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Propagation:
Conocarpus can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
If you are planting buttonwood from seed, start the seeds in a seed tray filled with moist sand. Place the tray in a warm, sunny location. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with sandy, well-drained soil. When the seedlings are big enough, they can be planted in their permanent location.
If you are propagating buttonwood from cuttings, take cuttings from the tips of branches in the spring. The cuttings should be about 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with sandy, well-drained soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location. The cuttings will root in four to eight weeks. Once the roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Landscape uses:
Buttonwood is a popular landscaping tree in coastal areas due to its salt tolerance. It is also used as a windbreak, hedges, and for erosion control.
Buttonwood is an excellent choice for a windbreak or hedge in coastal areas. It can also be planted as a specimen tree or in a group. Buttonwood is also a good choice for erosion control on slopes or in other areas where soil stabilization is desired.