LIVE PLANTS

Society Garlic, or Tulbaghia violacea, is a versatile perennial herb native to southern Africa. Known for its delicate, star-shaped lavender flowers and grassy, fragrant leaves, this plant is as beautiful as it is useful. Perfect for zones 7-10, it thrives in sunny gardens, containers, and borders, offering a unique combination of ornamental appeal and culinary utility. The plant's leaves and flowers have a mild garlic flavor, making them an excellent addition to soups, salads, stir-fries, and pestos. Despite its garlic-like scent, it’s a member of the lily family and not a true garlic. Society Garlic is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes. Plant Society Garlic in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives with occasional watering. Deadhead flowers to encourage blooming, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Hardy, Fruit-Bearing Kiwi Vine Common Names: Kiwi ‘Prolific’, Hardy KiwiFamily: ActinidiaceaeOrigin: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) Kiwi ‘Prolific’ (Actinidia arguta) is a hardy kiwi variety that produces small, smooth-skinned, grape-sized fruits bursting with sweet, tangy flavor. Unlike traditional fuzzy kiwis, the ‘Prolific’ kiwi can be eaten whole, skin and all. Known for its cold-hardiness, this vigorous, deciduous vine is perfect for growing in temperate climates where traditional kiwi varieties struggle. With its fast growth and ability to bear fruit in just 3-4 years, the Kiwi ‘Prolific’ is a favorite among gardeners looking for a productive and easy-to-grow fruiting vine. Fruits: Kiwi ‘Prolific’ produces small, smooth, grape-like fruits with a sweet, mildly tangy flavor. The fruits are completely edible, including the thin skin, which sets them apart from the larger, fuzzier kiwi varieties. Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, the fruits are highly nutritious and perfect for fresh eating, adding to fruit salads, or blending into smoothies. Foliage: The vine has lush, heart-shaped green leaves that provide an attractive, ornamental quality in the garden. In the fall, the leaves turn a striking yellow, adding seasonal interest. Growth Habit: Kiwi ‘Prolific’ is a fast-growing, deciduous climbing vine that can grow up to 15-20 feet tall if provided with proper support. It is well-suited to trellises, pergolas, or arbors, making it a productive and ornamental addition to any garden. Culinary and Ornamental Uses: The small, smooth-skinned fruits of the Kiwi ‘Prolific’ are perfect for fresh eating due to their sweet and tangy flavor. They can be eaten whole or used in fruit salads, desserts, smoothies, or even preserved as jams and jellies. In addition to its delicious fruit, the vine adds ornamental value to the garden with its lush foliage and fast-growing, vining habit, making it ideal for covering structures or creating natural privacy screens.

Versatile and Nutritious Starch Source Common Names: Arrowroot, West Indian Arrowroot, Obedience PlantFamily: MarantaceaeOrigin: Central and South America, Caribbean Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a perennial herb known for its edible rhizomes, which are the source of the fine, easily digestible arrowroot starch. Native to Central and South America, Arrowroot has been used for centuries as a food thickener, dietary staple, and natural remedy. The starch extracted from the rhizomes is gluten-free, making it a popular alternative to wheat flour for thickening sauces, soups, and desserts. Arrowroot is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, making it a valuable addition to gardens focused on both ornamental and practical uses. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Rhizomes: Arrowroot's arrow-shaped rhizomes are tuberous and starchy, serving as the source of the plant’s famous arrowroot starch. The starch is highly digestible and gluten-free, making it ideal for those with dietary sensitivities. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking.  It is a low-temperature friendly starch and can also be boiled down alone to create a jelly. Its roots are peeled and grated into water where it’s dried after several rinses and made into a powder flour.  The creeping rootstalk tubers are perfect for cultivating thicker textures in sauces, soups and so on. Foliage: The plant has large, bright green, lance-shaped leaves that grow upright, making it both attractive and functional in garden landscapes. Growth Habit: Arrowroot grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, reaching 3-5 feet tall. The plant spreads via underground rhizomes and can be grown in containers or garden beds. It takes a bit of patience to grow, requiring up to 12 months of humid weather to squeeze as much starch as it can, but it’s worth the wait! Arrowroot has been growing in use because of its easy to digest characteristics. Culinary and Medicinal Uses Arrowroot starch is highly valued for its culinary versatility, especially as a gluten-free thickening agent for soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts. It is also used in baking and as a substitute for cornstarch. Arrowroot’s neutral flavor and clear consistency make it ideal for delicate dishes. Medicinally, arrowroot has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, soothe upset stomachs, and aid in wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is also used in skincare to absorb moisture and as a base in natural cosmetics.

Stevia, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a remarkable plant highly esteemed for its sweet leaves, which are a natural, zero-calorie alternative to sugar. Originating from South America, stevia has been used for centuries by the Guarani peoples of Brazil and Paraguay, primarily for sweetening beverages and as a herbal remedy. This hardy perennial is easy to grow in well-drained soils and thrives in warm, sunny environments, making it a fantastic addition to your herb garden. Helpful Hint: as a sweetener, 1/4 of ground leaves is equal to 1 tsp of sugar.  Our stevia plants are naturally grown and carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. Each plant comes in a 4-inch biodegradable pot, ready to be transplanted into your garden or container. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are fully developed, typically within a few months of planting. Enjoy natural sweetness in your beverages and desserts, or dry the leaves to create your own stevia powder. With our robust plants, you can sustainably produce your sweetener year after year.

Exotic Tropical Fruit with Tangy Sweetness Common Names: Kwai Muk, Chinese Mulberry, Monkey JackFamily: MoraceaeOrigin: Southeast Asia (Southern China) Kwai Muk (Artocarpus hypargyraeus) is a rare, tropical fruit tree closely related to jackfruit and breadfruit, known for producing small, tangy-sweet fruits that are enjoyed fresh or made into jams and desserts. Native to southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia, this compact tree is highly prized for both its edible fruit and ornamental value. The fruit is small and round, about the size of a fig, with an orange to yellow skin when ripe. Its flesh is soft, with a flavor reminiscent of apricots, figs, and citrus. In addition to its tasty fruit, Kwai Muk is a beautiful addition to tropical gardens, featuring large, glossy leaves and a dense, spreading canopy. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Fruits: Kwai Muk fruits are small, orange-yellow, and round, growing to about 1-2 inches in diameter. The flesh inside is soft and tangy-sweet, with a flavor that has been described as a combination of apricot, fig, and a hint of citrus. The fruit is typically eaten fresh, but it can also be used in jams, jellies, or dried for later use. Kwai Muk is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, supporting immune health and digestion. Foliage: The tree has large, oval, dark green leaves that are leathery and glossy, adding a lush, tropical appearance to the landscape. The dense foliage provides ample shade, making the tree both ornamental and functional. Growth Habit: Kwai Muk is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that typically reaches 15-30 feet tall. Its compact size and attractive form make it ideal for smaller gardens or as a shade tree in tropical and subtropical climates. Culinary and Ornamental Uses Kwai Muk is most commonly eaten fresh due to its juicy, tangy-sweet flavor, but the fruit can also be used to make jams, jellies, and desserts. Its unique flavor profile makes it a delightful addition to fruit salads and tropical dishes. Beyond its edible use, Kwai Muk is often planted for its ornamental value, providing both shade and visual interest with its dense, glossy foliage.

Common Names: Florida Special PineappleFamily: BromeliaceaeOrigin: Florida, USA The Florida Special Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a unique variety bred specifically to thrive in the warm, humid conditions of Florida and other subtropical regions. Known for its resilience and ability to tolerate the heat and occasional cold snaps of the state, this pineapple variety produces medium to large, sweet, golden-yellow fruits with a balanced blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or incorporating into tropical dishes, the Florida Special Pineapple is a versatile and easy-to-grow addition to your garden or patio. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Fruits: The Florida Special Pineapple is known for its vibrant, golden-yellow flesh, which has a sweet and mildly tangy flavor. The fruit is juicy and flavorful, making it ideal for fresh consumption, juicing, or as an ingredient in tropical recipes. Like other pineapples, it is rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, and manganese, which support immune function and energy production. Foliage: The plant features long, spiny green leaves that form a striking rosette, giving it the classic pineapple appearance. The leaves are hardy and help the plant tolerate heat and fluctuating temperatures, which is ideal for gardeners in subtropical regions. Growth Habit: Florida Special Pineapple is a compact and slow-growing plant, reaching about 2-3 feet in height and width. It is perfect for growing in garden beds or containers and can even thrive indoors with adequate sunlight. Culinary and Ornamental Uses The Florida Special Pineapple is a fantastic option for both edible and ornamental gardening. Its sweet, juicy fruit can be enjoyed fresh, used in smoothies, or incorporated into a variety of tropical dishes. The plant itself adds a bold, tropical look to the garden or patio, with its rosette of spiky leaves and attractive, compact form. It is ideal for small spaces, container growing, or as an exotic addition to an edible landscape.

Lemon balm is an aromatic herbaceous perennial or annual, distinguished by its lemony scent. Originating from the Mediterranean and Central Asia, it is now cultivated across the world for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental use. Growing to a height of 24 inches, it boasts wrinkled serrated leaves with a slightly hairy texture and tiny white to yellow/purple flowers blossom in whorled clusters, offering honeybees nectar-rich pollen. Lemon Balm is an exceptional herb that lends its distinct, citrus-like flavour to cuisines from around the world. Its essential oils are also used in aromatherapy for relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. Its medicinal properties have been celebrated for centuries, helping to soothe an upset stomach, aid digestion, and promote restful sleep.

The Rose Apple, part of the Myrtaceae family (without any actual relation to roses or apples),  tastes like a field of wild roses, condensed. Its yellow, mealy flesh can be eaten raw or cooked, and its creamy-white flowers can be candied to eat or cut to decorate. Native to East Indies and Malaya, the Rose Apple, also known as the plum rose, malabar plum or poma rosa, tastes best when picked crisp and eaten immediately. You can prune the tree into a dense hedgerow or a tasty living fencepost, as the Guatamalans do, or let the Rose Apple stretch its canopy and reach its 40 ft. potential.  You choose how you’d like to see the Rose Apple take shape! It’s easy-on-the-eyes, no matter what shape or size.

The Lemon Guava, also commonly called Cattley Guava, is a small sub-tropical fruit tree.  It abundantly produces sweet lime-green to golden-yellow guava fruit. The petite fruit, range in size from 4-8cm, and have a delicious blend of lemony guava flavor and aroma.  Lemon Guavas are mainly eaten raw but can also be cooked. The pulp is often used in fruit salads, smoothies, or in a marinade.  Lemon guavas, like most guava varieties, contain a high amount of vitamin A and folate. It also contains vitamins C (even greater amounts are in the skin) and B-complex vitamins as well as minerals like potassium. Lemon Guava trees are excellent producers, fast-growing, and are an excellent design element for an edible landscape.  Well-suited for growing in a container and grows successfully as a potted plant in northern zones.  Somewhat drought tolerant!

Nopal is an fruiting cactus plant cultivated for it's edible pads.  The cactus pads are a common ingredient in numeous Mexican dishes.  They are used like a veggie and have a flavor similar to asparagus and green beans.  Nopal is a common name in Spanish for Opuntia cacti, as well as for its pads. There are approximately one hundred and fourteen known species native to the semi-arid areas of the Americas.  It's grown abundantly in Mexico, as well as the Mediterranean and other semi-arid to sub-topical regions. Looking for an attractive, useful and edible plant to line your property with?  Look no further because Nopal Cacti make a beautiful hedge!  It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, temperature and moisture levels, however it grows best in sunny, dry, desert-like conditions. On average, Nopal cactus plants will grow to be about 7 ft tall to 7 ft wide. The edible pads range on average from 4 to 10 inches and fruit can grow to be about the size of a fist.  

Saw Palmetto: The Medicinal Palm of the Southeastern US Common Names: Saw Palmetto, Dwarf PalmettoFamily: ArecaceaeOrigin: Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, and the coastal regions) Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a hardy, slow-growing palm native to the southeastern United States, known for its fan-shaped leaves and dense clusters of small, reddish-black berries. This native plant thrives in coastal plains, pine forests, and sandy soils. Though primarily grown for ornamental purposes, Saw Palmetto is widely renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in supporting urinary and prostate health. The berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and Saw Palmetto remains a popular herbal remedy today. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Medicinal Value Fruits: Saw Palmetto produces small, dark berries that have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. The berries are rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, which are believed to help support prostate health, particularly in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and promoting healthy urinary function. Saw Palmetto extracts are commonly found in supplements, and the fruit is often dried or made into tinctures. Leaves: The plant has fan-shaped, stiff green leaves with saw-like edges (hence the name "Saw Palmetto"). These leaves are tough, drought-tolerant, and often used to create a striking landscape accent. Growth Habit: Saw Palmetto is a low-growing, spreading palm that typically reaches 4-10 feet in height. It can form dense clumps and spreads horizontally via underground rhizomes, making it an excellent groundcover plant in coastal or sandy environments. Traditional Medicinal Uses Saw Palmetto has long been used by Native American tribes, particularly the Seminole, for its medicinal properties. The berries were traditionally consumed to treat urinary and reproductive health issues, as well as to boost vitality and immune function. Modern research has focused on its potential benefits in managing prostate health and balancing hormone levels, particularly in men.

Grape-Like Fruit Grows on the Trunk—Truly Magical!Sweet, tropical, and visually stunning from bark to bloom. Jaboticaba, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree or Jabuticaba, is a rare tropical fruiting tree native to Brazil that produces deep purple, grape-like fruits directly on its trunk and branches—a botanical rarity called cauliflory. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor, with tart skins and soft, translucent pulp often compared to muscadine grape, lychee, and plum. Perfect fresh or transformed into wine, jelly, or liqueur, this treasure is a must-grow for rare fruit lovers and edible landscape enthusiasts. This small evergreen tree is just as ornamental as it is productive, with smooth mottled bark, glossy green foliage, and showy white blooms that emerge straight from the trunk. Slow-growing but long-lived, Jaboticaba forms a compact, vase-shaped canopy ideal for food forests, tropical gardens, or container growing—even bonsai. Thriving in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil and partial to full sun, Jaboticaba is hardy in Zones 9-11 and tolerant of light frost. With patience and consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruiting, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most conversation-worthy fruits on Earth.

Rue, also known as Herb of Grace, is a small shrubby perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet high with delicate blue-green foliage and small, bright yellow flowers. It is in the citrus family (Rutaceae) and is native to the Balkans and southeastern Europe where it is used as a bitter flavoring in traditional cuisines of the eastern Mediterranean.  Rue’s shrubby nature and charming foliage and flowers make it an excellent low-growing hedge, border, or container plant. The yellow flowers that bloom in June and July attract butterflies, but the highly fragrant leaves give off a strong aroma when crushed and can also repel insects. Planted in the garden, Rue is an effective insect-repelling companion. It is the national herb of Lithuania, and in southeastern Europe, it developed a reputation as a magical protective herb and was often planted in doorways to ward off evil spirits.  Rue is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant after it is established and will grow in a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. It does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10.

Beijing Grass is an exotic medicinal herb that comes from the Spiderwort family of plants.  Although it's rare and hard to find, Beijing Grass actually grows very easily. It's a low-lying grassy perennial ground cover that grows and spreads very quickly. Plant in the ground or in pots! Beijing grass can be overwintered easily indoors. The smooth green leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long, and can be eaten raw, cooked or juiced. Beijing Grass has been an important healing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It helps to support and strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and aid in respiratory healing. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, is rich in flavonoids, syringic acid,  and glycosphingolipids (G1B) which prevent free radicals and work to inhibit cancerous cells.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), native to the Mediterranean region, is a fragrant evergreen herb celebrated for its needle-like leaves and small, pale blue to white flowers. Traditionally used in cooking for its robust, woodsy flavor, Rosemary also holds a place in herbal medicine for its purported memory-enhancing properties. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil and requires minimal watering once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, Rosemary is both a culinary delight and a beautiful addition to any garden!

Ashwagandha, also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an annual medicinal herb plant from the Nightshade family. It is cultivated heavily in India and is native to parts of the Middle East, the Indian Peninsula, and the Himalayan regions.  Ashwagandha is an annual or short-lived perennial that features elliptical green leaves and small white bell shaped flowers. The flowers grow into lantern like cases, which contain bright red cherries bearing dozens of tiny seeds. The root is ready to harvest 150 to 180 days after planting, just as the berries have formed and the leaves have begun to yellow.  Ashwagandha is widely known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine; the root being the most commonly used part. Taken as a tea or in tincture form, it is believed to reduce anxiety and depression, and to help achieve mental clarity and boost the immune system. Studies show that its potential medicinal effects are due to the presence of alkaloids and steroidal lactones within the plant that promote anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It's a great medicinal plant for any herbalist's garden!  Ashwagandha is an essential herb in our medicinal garden and food forest.  We carefully harvest its roots in the fall by digging up the entire plant and separating the roots from the base of the plant.  We remove the red berries (seed pods) from their lantern casings then sun dry the roots and the seeds separately.

Star Fruit is an evergreen tropical fruit tree with woody, drooping branches. It makes a great ornamental addition to a home landscape, ticking all of the boxes for a plant that’s useful and good looking. Star Fruit is easy to grow and produces an over abundance of delicious and unique-shaped fruit.  In a tropical to subtropical climate, you can reap the bountiful rewards of growing Star Fruit trees that fruit nearly year-round, when exotic purple flowers give way to the 5-sided star fruits. Carambola fruits are in their prime when they ripen on the tree to a yellow-orange color. Enjoy this sweet star fruit variety fresh, in tea, or combination with other fruits and desserts, or as a garnish for tropical-themed dishes.  Star Fruit seedlings are capable of producing fruit within 2-3 years.

Panama Red Passion Fruit is an evergreen climbing vine native to South America which is beloved for its vigorous growing habits. A large red fruiting variety of the Passifloraceae, the Panama Red Passion Fruit is related to the Yellow Passion Fruit and Purple Possum Passion Fruit and weaves delicate green vines covered in serrated, deeply-lobed leaves. Due to its heat resistant qualities, heavy productivity and easy maintenance, the fast-growing Panama Red Passion Fruit is considered a coveted variety.  The Passion Fruit family is well known for bearing incredible, alien flowers with thin purple corona filaments above waxy white petals. These highly aromatic flowers mature to reddish-purple fruits, speckled in white dots- very beautiful and sweeter than other varieties. Many enjoy the tangy fruit out of hand or add it to smoothies, sauces or desserts.

Iboza, also known as Incense Bush, scientifically known as Tetradenia riparia or Iboza riparia, is a robust and aromatic semi-evergreen shrub hailing from the highlands of South Africa. Renowned for its lush, velvety foliage and striking floral display, Iboza grows vigorously, forming dense clusters of leaves that are both visually pleasing and highly fragrant. The leaves of Iboza are broad, slightly serrated, and covered in soft hairs, giving them a unique texture. When crushed, they release a strong, spicy aroma reminiscent of nutmeg, making this plant a favorite among those who appreciate fragrant gardens. During the cooler months of late winter to early spring, Iboza produces profuse clusters of tiny, delicate flowers. These blooms range in color from white to pale lavender and attract an array of pollinators, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal. In addition to its aesthetic attributes, Iboza is revered in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It has been used historically to treat a range of ailments, from colds and flu to headaches and digestive issues. The plant’s essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its medicinal use. The name Iboza is derived from the Zulu word referring to the aromatic leaves. The Zulu culture of Southern Africa have used this plant for centuries to relieve respiratory issues, stomach aches and headaches, through simply crushing and inhaling the leaves or making a tea from them. 

Low-Growing Aromatic Mint with Intense Herbal Fragrance Pennyroyal is a low-growing, spreading mint with small rounded leaves and soft purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. Unlike taller culinary mints, this species forms a creeping mat, making it excellent as a groundcover in herb gardens or containers. When crushed, the leaves release a strong, sharp, minty aroma with earthy undertones—much more intense than common peppermint or spearmint. Its compact habit and fragrant foliage make it both ornamental and highly aromatic in the landscape. Fast-growing and adaptable, Pennyroyal thrives in warm conditions and can quickly fill in spaces with its trailing stems. Its dense foliage also naturally suppresses weeds when planted as a living groundcover. Cultural & Herbal Significance Pennyroyal has a long history in European and Mediterranean herbal traditions, where it was valued for its aromatic qualities and use in traditional remedies. Historically, it was used in herbal teas, strewing herbs, and natural insect deterrents. In older folk traditions, pennyroyal was associated with purification and protection. Today it is most commonly grown for its fragrance, ornamental use, and as a natural garden companion plant. Important note: Pennyroyal contains concentrated essential oils and should not be consumed in large quantities or used medicinally without professional guidance. Why Grow Pennyroyal? Strongly aromatic mint with compact, creeping growth Excellent groundcover for herb gardens and containers Naturally deters some insects with its potent fragrance Pollinator-friendly purple blooms Easy to grow and adaptable in warm climates

Resilient Wetland Fruit Tree Common Names: Pond Apple, Alligator Apple, Swamp Apple, Monkey Apple, Bobwood, Corkwood, Custard Apple, Wild Custard AppleFamily: AnnonaceaeOrigin: Tropical Americas, including the Caribbean, Florida, Central, and South America Pond Apple (Annona glabra) is a unique tropical fruit tree that thrives in wetlands and swampy areas, making it highly adaptable to waterlogged soils where few other fruit trees can survive. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, the Pond Apple produces small, greenish-yellow fruits with a sweet, mild flavor. Although the fruits are not widely cultivated for commercial use, they are consumed locally in some areas and play an essential ecological role in supporting wildlife. The tree is fast-growing, resilient, and an important part of wetland ecosystems, making it a valuable addition to tropical gardens, especially in waterlogged environments. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ecological Importance Fruits: The fruits of the Pond Apple are round to oval, greenish-yellow when ripe, and about the size of a small mango. The flesh inside is soft, white, and slightly sweet, though its flavor can be somewhat bland compared to other Annona species. The fruit contains numerous seeds and is sometimes used to make jams, jellies, or beverages. It is also a key food source for wildlife, including alligators, hence its nickname “Alligator Apple.” Foliage: The tree has large, leathery, glossy green leaves that are elongated and lance-shaped, giving it a lush, tropical appearance. Growth Habit: Pond Apple is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of 20-40 feet, with a broad, spreading canopy. Its ability to tolerate waterlogged soils makes it an ideal choice for wetlands, swamps, and flood-prone areas. Ecological and Traditional Uses Pond Apple plays an important role in tropical ecosystems, providing food for wildlife, including birds, fish, and reptiles. The tree’s dense root system helps stabilize wetland soils, reducing erosion and improving water quality. Traditionally, parts of the tree, such as the leaves and bark, have been used in folk medicine for their potential medicinal properties, including treating fevers and digestive issues.

The Florida Native Persimmon is a long-living perennial fruit tree in the Ebenacea family alongside the Black Sapote and Lotus Plum. Native to, you guessed it, Florida, this wind resistant, frost tolerant treasure is a prized tree among food forest growers! With sticky, sweet, sunset-orange colored fruits and attractive dark gray bark which ages into chunky blocks resembling checkerboards, the Florida Native Persimmon is a handsome specimen with ever-changing aesthetics. In summer, the deep green leaves bear enormous canopies, sometimes up to 80 ft. tall, that stretch into perfect shade. In fall, the leaves transform into shades of deep burgundy and burnt orange before catching the wind and exposing their ripening fruits.  The Florida Native Persimmon sports gorgeous foliage that can be dried and made into a vitamin-C tea, just in time for cold season! Wait for the showy fruit to soften on the tree to eat, or use the immature fruits to boil into a black, tannin-rich dye. The seeds can be dried and used as a coffee substitute, so long as tannins don’t bother your belly. There are so many creative uses for this tree! We can’t wait until you find your favorite use for it! These scrumptious persimmons boast an orange-pumpkin color on both its skin and flesh. When ripe, Florida Native Persimmons possess layers of flavor, reminiscent of pear, dates and brown sugar with nuances of cinnamon. Their texture varies from crisp and succulent when young, to a tender and gelatinous texture as they mature. Fruits are ready for harvest when skins are deep orange. Seedlings take about 3-5 years to fruit. We can't wait for you to grow this amazing, delicious, Florida Native Persimmon. 

Yerba Mate is an evergreen tree in the Holly family (Aquifoliaceae), native to the steamy subtropics of South America. Indigenous people of Paraguay first brewed the dried leaves into a delicious beverage that is high in caffeine, antioxidants, and micronutrients. It is a commonly used beverage in South America, and now it is gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative to coffee that boosts energy, burns fat, and reduces cholesterol. Fragrant white flowers bloom on the tree during the late fall and early winter and develop into bright red ornamental berries in the spring. The thick, leathery leaves can be harvested and dried at any time of the year when the foliage has become full on the tree. It will grow to 50 feet high outdoors and can also be grown as a container plant indoors or outdoors. Yerba Mate will grow in full sun to partial shade in rich, loamy, well-draining soil that is never allowed to dry out. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.