Green Buttonwood
ExplorePlants
Green Buttonwood
Conocarpus erectus
The Green Buttonwood is a special tree that loves to grow near the water. It has shiny green leaves and can grow tall, providing shade for animals and people alike.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Green Buttonwood is a coastal tree with a gnarled trunk and dense, often silvery-green leaves. Its inconspicuous flowers form round, button-like seed heads that darken with age, giving it a unique textured appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyCombretaceaeGenusConocarpus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, it's not a true mangrove, but often grows right alongside them!
Indigenous peoples used its bark to make a powerful dye for fabrics and to tan leather.
Its super dense wood sinks in water, making it a favorite for smoking meats!
The leaves sparkle in the sun as tiny salt crystals are excreted from special glands!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt-Sweater
Green Buttonwood can push excess salt out through special glands on its leaves, allowing it to live in salty environments.
Ability
Hurricane Helper
Its deep roots and flexible wood help the Green Buttonwood stay standing during strong coastal storms and hurricanes.
Ability
Fire Shield
The tree's thick bark protects it from brush fires, helping it survive and regrow even after a burn.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-1500 cm
- Spread
- 300-800 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its small flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Yellow Warbler
Dendroica petechia
Its seeds are a food source for warblers.
shelters
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Pelicans often perch on its sturdy branches.
shelters
Blue Land Crab
Cardisoma guanhumi
Crabs find cool shade and protection.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay away from the tree's branches and roots to avoid tripping or getting hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Green Buttonwood?
300-1500 cm
How wide does Green Buttonwood spread?
300-800 cm
How big are the flowers on Green Buttonwood?
0.2-0.3 cm
When does Green Buttonwood bloom?
Year-round
Is Green Buttonwood edible?
No
Is Green Buttonwood toxic?
None
What is Green Buttonwood's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Green Buttonwood pollinated?
Wind
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