Krugiodendron ferreum (Black Ironwood)

Krugiodendron ferreum, or Black Ironwood, is native from Cape Canaveral southward into islands of the Caribbean Basin and from southern Mexico to Honduras.  It is often found in hammockland near coastal waters, yet once established in an urban setting, it does not require irrigation.  As the refer-ence to iron in its species name suggests, the wood of this species is extremely hard.  In fact, it may be the densest, heaviest wood of any native tree in the United States.  While not valued as a construc-tion material, it has some popularity as a medium for woodcarvers.

Black Ironwood grows slowly to somewhere between 16 and 33 ft. high.  Its glossy green, leathery oval leaves persist for two or three years on the tree.  The fruits of this tree are attractive to birds.  At the nursery, we have Krugiodendron growing in 3-gallon containers.

Krugiodendron ferreum (Black Ironwood)