Overview
Pigeon Plum is a Florida native evergreen tree with dense glossy foliage, smooth gray bark, and clusters of fruit that mature from red to dark purple. It brings refined tropical character, shade, wind tolerance, and wildlife value to warm Tampa landscapes.
Mature Size and Habit
Landscape specimens commonly reach 15 to 25 feet tall with a 20 to 35 foot spread. The crown develops into a rounded, densely foliated form. Young trees can be trained as a single trunk or maintained with several trunks for a broader natural appearance.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as a courtyard specimen, small shade tree, parking island tree, native canopy tree, or tall screening element. It performs well in coastal-style landscapes and suits properties where a live oak or large tropical tree would overwhelm the available space.
Sunlight
Full sun produces the densest crown and strongest fruiting. Partial shade is tolerated, but deep shade creates thinner growth and less fruit.
Soil and Drainage
It accepts sandy, alkaline, and limestone-based soils and tolerates coastal salt exposure after establishment. Good drainage remains important. Avoid low areas that hold standing water for long periods.
Irrigation
Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Mature trees tolerate seasonal drought but look better with occasional deep irrigation during extended dry weather. Avoid daily shallow watering.
Best Planting Season
Plant from late spring through early fall in Tampa and Central Florida while the soil is warm. Fall planting also works in protected coastal sites when irrigation remains dependable.
Pruning and Maintenance
Train young trees to develop sound branch spacing and adequate clearance. Make selective structural cuts instead of topping. Mature trees need little pruning beyond deadwood removal, clearance, and correction of weak attachments.
Wildlife Value
Small flowers support insects, and the dark fruits attract birds. Fallen fruit can stain light pavement, so position the canopy where fruit drop will not create a maintenance problem.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Pigeon Plum handles intense Florida heat, wind, drought, and coastal exposure. Hard freezes can injure foliage and branches. Protected South Tampa sites are safer than exposed inland cold pockets.
Toxicity, Thorns, and Roots
It has no true thorns. The ripe fruit is eaten by wildlife and has a history of human use, but landscape fruit should not be consumed without correct identification. Roots are not known for aggressive pavement lifting, yet every tree needs adequate soil volume and setback from foundations.
Invasive and Placement Concerns
It is native and not invasive in Florida. Allow room for the broad crown, keep it away from overhead utilities, and avoid placing fruiting branches directly above pools, white paving, or heavily used parking spaces.
Authoritative Resources
Review UF/IFAS Pigeon Plum guidance and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.