Black mangrove
Avicennia germinans
Last reviewed: October 2026
Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is a perennial tree native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
120"–480" H × 120"–300" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Black mangrove.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
An evergreen shrub or small tree that grows rooted in tidal mud, sending up pencil-like breathing roots around its base. Small white flower clusters appear on leathery, salt-crusted leaves.
Growing Black mangrove
Grow Black mangrove in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 120 to 480 inches tall and spread 120 to 300 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for mangrove skipper.
Flowers support bees, the root system stabilizes shoreline sediment, and foliage hosts mangrove skipper caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Black mangrove need?
- Black mangrove grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Black mangrove bloom?
- Black mangrove blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Black mangrove native?
- Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Black mangrove host?
- Black mangrove is a larval host plant for mangrove skipper.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Black mangrove? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.