Common Name: Florida Privet

General Information

Forestiera segregata is a much-branched evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense crown; it can grow 3 - 6 metres tall[]. The leaves can be shed in colder winters[].
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a good hedge or screen.
Forestiera segregata has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast N. America - South Carolina, Georgia, Florida; Caribbean - Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica

Habitat

Dune-hammocks[]. Dry forests in limestone areas near the coast[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Forestiera segregata is a plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zone. It is not very cold-hardy but can withstand occasional temperatures falling to around -10°c[].
Grows well in partial shade[]. Succeeds in a wide range of soils, preferably well-drained, tolerating both acid and alkaline conditions as well as moderately saline soils[]. Whilst tolerating seasonal flooding, established plants are also very drought tolerant[].
Plants respond well to being transplanted, even if fairly large[].

Edible Uses

The fruits are slightly curved, ovoid, black drupes, 6 - 10mm long, that have a bitter, unpleasant flavour and stain cloth and skin. Each contains one greenish-yellow seed[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is densely branched and responds well to trimming. It makes a good quality hedge or screen and with regular trimming can be maintained at almost any height[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. Easy.
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn to late winter in a frame or sheltered outdoor bed.