Chittamwood
Sideroxylon lanuginosum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sideroxylon lanuginosum (Chittamwood) is a drought-tolerant native tree found across the southeastern and south-central United States. It produces small white flowers in May and June that attract bees and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Chittamwood (Sideroxylon lanuginosum) 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
low
Size
360"–600" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, FL and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Chittamwood is a slow-growing native tree that develops a rounded canopy and produces small, fragrant white flowers in late spring. The tree is drought-tolerant and provides excellent shade once established. The tree produces small blue-black fruits that are favored by wildlife.
Growing Chittamwood
Grow Chittamwood in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chittamwood is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the bloom period in May and June. Birds and small mammals feed on the berries produced later in the season.
Common questions
- Where does Chittamwood naturally grow?
- Chittamwood is native to 15 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- When does Sideroxylon lanuginosum bloom?
- Chittamwood blooms in late spring, producing small white flowers during May and June that attract native bees and beetles as pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Chittamwood prefer?
- This native tree thrives in full sun to partial sun locations and tolerates drought conditions well, making it suitable for low to moderate water landscapes in its native range.
- Is Chittamwood HOA-friendly?
- Chittamwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chittamwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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