Metopium toxiferum

Common Names

Poisonwood, Florida Poisontree, Hog Gum, Coral Sumac

Summary

Native to southern Florida and the Caribbean, the Florida poisontree ranges from a tree to a large shrub and can reach up to about 40 ft tall, with orange-brown bark that peels in plates and black sap when wounded. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound with 5–7 oval leaflets, glossy green above and paler below, with aging leaves sometimes developing black spots. White flowers bloom year-round with a spring peak, and orange drupes about 1 cm long form in loose clusters; fruits are eaten by birds, and the plant contains urushiol, an irritant that can cause dermatitis.

Exposure ranges from partial shade to full sun, with moist conditions preferred; drought tolerance is noted, but low saltwater tolerance and moderate salt wind tolerance apply. It can be grown from seed and is recommended for natural restoration rather than general landscaping, including habitat restoration; USDA hardiness zones 9B–11 apply. Wildlife value includes nectar for butterflies and fruits eaten by birds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

25-49 ft

Spread

20-30 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9b-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soils (limestone or sandy) with or without a humusy top layer; textures include sandy, clay, loamy.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soils

Soil pH

Acidic to alkaline

Bloom Color

White, Yellowish green

Bloom Time

Year-round; peak in spring.

Foliage Color

Green, upper surface shiny yellow-green to dark green, lower surface pale green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies