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.

Chittamwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sideroxylon lanuginosum

Last reviewed: June 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.

Chittamwood (Sideroxylon lanuginosum) — Photo: Tournasol7 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database 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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