Wild tamarind
Lysiloma latisiliquum

Native to hammocks within Everglades National Park and portions of the Upper Keys. This large, fast growing tree, up to 50 feet tall, will do well through Palm Beach County and survive freezing temperatures for short periods.

This makes a great spreading accent tree with tiny leaflets that fall briefly in the spring, and one inch round white flowers. The seed pods are thin and dry.

Plant in deep soil, and gradually prune the branches so that they are evenly spaced and have a wide angle to the trunk. Sharp angled branches tend to break off.

Warblers and other birds pick tiny insects from the bark. This tree can be planted on the south side of the house. The tiny leaflets will fall in the spring and allow sunlight to warm your home. Provides shade during the summer, yet allows just enough light thru to support shade tolerant shrubs.

The foliage is the larval food for the cassius blue, large orange sulfur and the mimosa yellow butterflies. Female large orange sulfur butterflies are often seen hovering around this tree as they look for spots to lay their eggs.

Can be underplanted with wild coffee, firebush, coontie, marlberry, wild plumbago, white stopper and other native shrubs. When planted near a window and underplanted with these shrubs to hide in, birds will have enough protection to visit a feeder and bird bath. From your window you can easily watch them.