Growing Guide: Pigeon Plum
Growing Tips
Plant Pigeon Plum in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in sandy, rocky, or limestone soils with good drainage and is naturally salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes. Once established, it requires little supplemental water. Prune lightly to shape when young; mature trees develop a naturally attractive rounded canopy. Pigeon Plum is hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11. Slow to moderate in growth, but long-lived and resilient.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Coccoloba diversifolia |
| Common Names | Pigeon Plum, Dove Plum, Tie-Tongue |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Origin | Florida, Caribbean, Central America |
| Plant Type | Evergreen fruiting tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 25–35 ft tall (sometimes up to 50 ft) x 15–25 ft wide |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water Needs | Low once established; drought-tolerant |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy, rocky, or limestone soil |
| Bloom Time | Spring–Summer |
| Flower Color | Greenish-white |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 |
| Florida Native | Yes |
| Propagation | Seeds |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Time to Harvest | 2–4 years; fruits ripen late summer–fall |
