Description
Pigeon Plum Bush – Coccoloba Diversifolia Overview
Coccoloba Diversifolia Bush (Pigeon Plum) is a Florida Native medium-sized evergreen shrub or multi-trunk tree, commonly reaching 25 feet in height but capable of growing taller. In its natural bush form it develops multiple stems from the base, creating a denser, more compact growth habit than the single-trunk tree form — making it the preferred choice for hedging and screening applications.
Characteristics & Growth
The Pigeon Plum bush has a symmetrical, rounded to vase-shaped dense crown with upright branches spreading to a width equaling its height. The attractive bark is grayish and mottled, peeling off in broad flakes with age. Leaves are evergreen, dark green, alternate, simple, entire, oblong to ovate, leathery, and about 4 inches long. Whitish-green flowers are small but abundant, borne in 2 to 3-inch terminal clusters; male and female flowers are borne on separate trees.
Fruits of female trees are small, oval to round, about ½ inch in diameter, with thin flesh and a single seed. They are edible but sour, and are used to make juice, jelly, and wine. Birds and animals are attracted to the fruit — a wildlife benefit worth noting for native garden plantings.
Pigeon Plum Hedge – Landscape Use & Cultivation
The Coccoloba Diversifolia bush grows well in moist, well-drained soils and is quite hardy once established. As a Florida Native it has high drought tolerance and good salt tolerance, making it well suited to coastal gardens and low-maintenance landscape projects — see our guide to low-maintenance hedges in Florida.
Its best application is as a multi-trunk privacy hedge — dense, sturdy, and naturally suited to screening along property boundaries, pool areas, and coastal sites. It also performs well in narrow areas such as sidewalks, medians, parking lots, and shorelines. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and control growth. Note that fruit litter from female trees can be a consideration near walkways.
Looking for the single-trunk tree form? See our Pigeon Plum Tree. Available at our Homestead nursery in sizes from 25 to 300 gallons, suitable for residential gardens and wholesale landscape projects.
Related products: Sea Plum (Coccoloba Uvifera x Diversifolia)
Other names: Coccoloba Laurifolia
