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Citharexylum spinosum: Fiddlewood

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

Release Date: 4/15/2019

Reviewed At: 4/17/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp130-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum), a native plant of Florida, the West Indies, and South America. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its glossy leaves, white flowers, and orange to black fruit. The fiddlewood is described as a versatile plant suitable for various uses such as hedges, screens, and reclamation projects. It thrives in a range of soil types and conditions, demonstrating high drought tolerance and moderate salt tolerance. The document also highlights the plant’s minimal pest issues and its adaptability to different planting environments. Original publication date October 1999.

About this Publication

This document is FPS130, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised December 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department; Ryan W. Klein, graduate assistant, Environmental Horticulture Department; Andrew K. Koeser, assistant professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; Deborah R. Hilbert, graduate assistant, Environmental Horticulture Department, GCREC; and Drew C. McLean, biological scientist, Environmental Horticulture Department, GCREC; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.