Suriana maritima (Bay Cedar)

Suriana maritima (Bay Cedar) is a medium to large evergreen shrub, rarely a small tree, with a sturdy, short trunk and a conical to rounded crown. Arching gracefully, the erect to ascending slender branches bear tiny, succulent and fleshy, gray-green leaves. The leaves are clustered on short, upturned twigs along and near the tips of the branchlets. The bark is beautiful, brown to dark gray, rough and flaky. Blooming periodically throughout the year, yellow, cup-shaped flowers occur singly or in clusters among the leaves. They give way to inconspicuous, dry, hard, brown fruits. Native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, Bay Cedar is found growing in sandy thickets, on sand dunes and rocky shores. Bay Cedar is useful in dry, sandy, sunny sites that are subject to salt winds and brief saltwater flooding. It is ideal for coastal landscapes. It makes an excellent hedge because it responds well to clipping. It can be used in containers, in mass plantings or as a specimen or border plant in beach locations.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in dry, sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation, salty wind and salt spray without injury.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to south Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and in some parts of the Old World tropical zone.