Goatbush
Castela erecta
- Native to:
- Aruba, Colombia, Leeward Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © bajanativa (iNaturalist #185013212)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Simaroubaceae
- Genus:
- Castela
- Species:
- Castela erecta
- USDA Symbol:
- CAER3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from roots following fire or mechanical damage; typical of thornscrub communities with periodic fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions