Laguncularia racemosa

Common Names

White Mangrove, White Buttonwood

Summary

White Mangrove is an evergreen shrub or tree native to tropical and subtropical America, occupying coastal wetlands and mangrove swamps from Florida through the Caribbean to Central America. It grows as a medium to large tree up to about 30–40 ft tall with opposite, simple elliptical leaves that bear two salt-excreting glands at the base of the leaf stalk; the leaves are light green on both surfaces, and fragrant white flowers appear year-round in spikes, followed by green elongated drupes; may develop aerial roots when flooded, contributing to coastal protection.

In cultivation, it requires bright sunlight and wet, loamy soil, tolerates high salinity and warmth with regular watering and high humidity; avoid cold drafts, and a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 every 4–6 weeks; propagation via seeds in moist sandy soil or cuttings; the pH range is 4.5–8.0 and temperatures range 54–94°F. Uses include coastal erosion prevention and shoreline stabilization; wood provides lumber, fence posts, and tools; bark tannins support leather tanning; wildlife habitat; not commonly used in landscapes due to coastal/brackish habitat, though hedges may serve as windbreaks.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

20-40 feet

Spread

20-50 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, consistently wet or waterlogged soil, moderately to richly organic, pH 4.5–7.5

Soil Drainage

Consistently wet soils

Soil pH

5.5–7.0 (preferred)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Year-round (almost year round)

Foliage Color

Green (dark green on top and lighter green beneath), with grayish-green and yellow-green variants.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators