Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ebenaceae

Genus:

Diospyros

Species:

Diospyros nigra

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

More than 40 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

white

Native Range

United States: Florida

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to tropical regions with seasonal rainfall