Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Genus:

Vernicia

Species:

Vernicia fordii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

More than 40 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

purple, red, white

Native Range

United States: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Texas

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to subtropical regions with fertile soils