Mangroves of Florida are associated with three species of woody plants:

Red Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are wetland trees found in USDA Haridness Zones 9+ along inland waters such as bays, brackish shorelines, canals, and tidal swamps. An extensive root network provides significant wildlife and marine habitat, water quality improvements, as well as serve as a wave and wind break that reduces erosion. Plant characteristics include: flood, wind, sun (i.e. once acclimated) and salt tolerances plus shoreline soil stabilization. Red mangroves process salt through their prop roots in comparison to Whites and Blacks, which process salt through their foliage (e.g. leaf or glands for salt secretion).

White Mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are the least cold hardy of the Florida mangroves, growing predominantly south of the Central Florida frost line. White mangroves are usually found farthest landward of the three mangrove species, while retaining flood and salt tolerances. At maturity, these mangroves are also the tallest of three. Additionally, they do not exhibit prop or aerial roots, requisite for survival at lower elevations.

Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) have the widest distribution of US mangroves, extending from Florida into the central Gulf states. Most identify Black mangroves by their bark, light underside of leaves, and aerial roots called pneumatophores that help the trees survive in saturated, oxygen limited soils.

Mangrove planting considerations include planting location (USDA Hardiness Zones), local water flow (e.g. causing scouring of newly planting seedlings), light levels, human impacts, invasive plant intrusion, and salinity levels for Whites and Blacks. More recently, mangroves have drawn public attention for their significant carbon sequestration services.

Buttonwoods (Conocarpus) are often incorrectly confused with mangroves because they also grow along coastal shorelines and share similar plant characteristics. They can be distinguished from their neighbors by their pointed slender leaves (e.g. silver or green), and roundish dense, seed clusters observable from late spring through early winter. Buttonwoods are commonly used in residential and commercial landscapes as a hedge or specimen tree.

Aquatic Plants of Florida provides mangroves and buttonwoods for restoration and mitigation projects. Please check our inventory updated weekly at www.apofl.com or contact us about contract growing trees.