Are you looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance evergreen tree to landscape your yard with? The silver buttonwood is a great choice!

This unique plant is native to Florida and can be found in many yards throughout the state. It is highly tolerant in many conditions and can be placed in full sun and nutrient-poor soils.

Keep reading to learn more about this amazing shrub and find out how to care for it properly. We’ll also tell you where you can go in Sarasota, Florida to meet all of your nursery and greenery needs!


Silver Buttonwood for Residential and Commercial Landscapes

Silver Buttonwood and clear sky
Buttonwoods (Conocarpus erectus var sericeus) are shrubs or small trees that are native to tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas. This Florida native is often used in residential and commercial landscape design because they are drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and able to grow in a wide range of soils.
Buttonwoods can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet and the leaf surface is dark green and leathery. The silver buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus ‘Silver’) is a variety that is characterized by its silver-colored leaves. This variety is especially popular in landscaping because it is relatively low-maintenance and can add a touch of elegance to any property. Silver buttonwoods are a good choice for those who live in areas with hot, dry summers.


Characteristics of the Silver Buttonwood Tree

The silver buttonwood tree is a hardy tree that can tolerate soaring temperatures and salty ocean winds. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive grey-silver bark, which is smooth to the touch.

The branches of the tree are covered in small, dark green leaves. In the spring and summer months, the tree produces clusters of white flowers. These flowers are followed by small, red-brown fruits that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. The silver buttonwood tree is a versatile plant that can be used as a hedge, privacy screen, or accent plant in any garden.


How Fast Does Silver Buttonwood Grow?

The silver buttonwood is a hardy, evergreen perennial. They are considered moderate to fast growers. This attractive plant thrives in coastal regions, tolerating both sunny and shaded conditions. It prefers soils with organic plant material but will thrive in any. It grows quickly, reaching heights of 2-3 meters within the first few years, and can often spread out over a large area due to its extensive root system. In addition to its striking silver foliage, the silver buttonwood also produces small white flowers that attract various insects and pollinators.

Overall, this plant is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a landscaping solution that offers both visual appeal and functional benefits. Whether you’re trying to add some texture or privacy to your garden, or are simply looking for a low-maintenance shrub that will grow quickly and reliably, the silver buttonwood is sure to be a perfect fit.


Is Silver Buttonwood Poisonous?

While silver buttonwood plants are not toxic to humans, they can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. The main toxic component of the plant is saponin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. In severe cases, saponin poisoning can lead to dehydration and even death.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten a silver buttonwood plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will likely recommend bringing your dog in for an examination and may also recommend giving them IV fluids to help prevent dehydration. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover quickly from silver buttonwood poisoning.


Companion Plants

If you are looking for good companion plants for silver buttonwoods, white flowering plants are an excellent choice. Not only do white blooms help to accent the silvery foliage of the buttonwood, but they also add a soft and subtle touch to any landscape.

Some white-flowering plants that are particularly well suited for silver buttonwoods include hydrangea, roses, lilies, delphiniums, and verbena. These hardy perennials are easy to maintain and provide a wide array of benefits to your garden. They not only help to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, but they can also improve soil quality by providing essential nutrients as well as helping to enrich the surrounding air with oxygen. A thoughtful way to enhance your silver buttonwood garden or coastal landscape should include some white-flowering companions.


Silver Buttonwood Care

Silver buttonwood is often used as an ornamental plant, or for windbreaks and hedges. While easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soils and climates, it does require some basic care to stay healthy. Watering, fertilizing, and pruning are all important parts of caring for silver buttonwood plants.

  • Water regularly. Lack of water can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off, while too much water can lead to root rot.
  • Fertilize. Fertilizing should be done every six weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Don’t forget to prune! Pruning should be done annually to remove any dead or diseased branches.


Silver Buttonwood Plants For Sale

Troy Tropics is a one-stop garden center for all of your plant needs. Our experienced staff can help you choose the right plants for your home or office, and we offer a wide variety of services to keep your plants healthy and thriving.

We also offer a wide selection of potting soil, mulch, and other garden supplies to help you get the most out of your plants. And if you’re looking for something unique, Troy Tropics is also home to the largest selection of bonsai trees in Sarasota.
We can help design your dream landscape and turn it into a reality. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, Troy Tropics is the perfect place to find everything you need to create a beautiful and thriving garden. Contact us today!
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