Hammock Velvetseed
Guettarda elliptica
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © douggoldman (iNaturalist #191104764)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rubiaceae
- Genus:
- Guettarda
- Species:
- Guettarda elliptica
- USDA Symbol:
- GUEL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Calidota laqueata, Leucoptera guettardella
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Leucoptera guettardella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas, tolerates saline conditions