Coccoloba spp.

sea grape

Polygonaceae Tropical and subtropical America

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–12

Overview

Coccoloba spp. is a genus of around 120-150 species of evergreen trees, shrubs, and woody climbers in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae, native to tropical and subtropical America, including the Caribbean. The most familiar species, the sea grape (C. uvifera), forms a wind-sculpted coastal shrub or tree 10-35 feet (3-11 m) tall with thick, rounded, leathery leaves 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) wide that often show red veins. Members are dioecious, carrying male and female flowers on separate plants, with small white to greenish flowers in slender spike-like racemes. Female plants bear hanging, grape-like clusters of rounded fruits that ripen green to purple and contain a single hard seed; in sea grape these are edible and made into jelly and wine. Many species tolerate salt spray, sandy soil, and strong coastal wind, which suits them to seaside planting, while inland and forest species form larger trees. The leaves are tough and slow to break down, and fallen fruit can stain paving. Most species are frost-tender, growing only in USDA zones 9-12, and they are damaged by hard freezes.

Native Range

Coccoloba spp. is native to the warm regions of the Americas, from Florida and the Caribbean through Mexico and Central America to tropical South America. It grows along coasts, in coastal scrub and mangrove edges, and in inland tropical forest, with the sea grape concentrated on sandy shores and dunes.

Suggested Uses

Coccoloba spp. is grown as a coastal hedge, windbreak, screen, and shade tree in frost-free regions, and the sea grape is planted to stabilise dunes and shorelines. The fruit of sea grape is eaten fresh and made into jelly and wine, and ripe fruit feeds birds and other wildlife. Its salt and wind tolerance suits exposed seaside sites where many plants fail.

How to Identify

Look for thick, leathery, often rounded leaves, in sea grape marked with red veins, set on stout twigs sheathed at the nodes by a papery collar typical of the knotweed family. Small white to greenish flowers hang in slender racemes, and female plants carry drooping, grape-like clusters of rounded purple fruit. The sheathed nodes, leathery leaves, and grape-like fruit clusters help confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 50'

Width/Spread10' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, though it can extend much of the year in tropical climates. The small flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, and only female plants set fruit. Grape-like fruit clusters ripen over the following months from green to purple.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to greenish

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Coccoloba spp. grows in full sun on well-drained sandy or limestone soil and tolerates salt spray, drought, and strong coastal wind once established. Most species need a frost-free or nearly frost-free climate and are hardy only in USDA zones 9-12, with sea grape damaged below about 30 F (-1 C). Plants grow fast in warmth and can be kept as a clipped hedge or screen or left to form a small tree. Both male and female plants are needed for fruit. Young plants need watering until rooted, after which they tolerate dry, poor soils. Salt and wind tolerance make the genus a mainstay of seaside planting.

Pruning

Trim sea grape and shrubby species as a hedge or screen through the warm season, as they tolerate regular clipping and resprout from old wood. Remove lower branches to train single or multi-stemmed trees. Cut out frost-damaged wood in spring once new growth shows.