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Coma

Sideroxylon celastrinum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Coma (Sideroxylon celastrinum)
Photo: (c) James Stroud, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Coma (Sideroxylon celastrinum) 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

1320"–180" H × 120"–180" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec

Native to

AL, FL, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, nectar insects

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal Plain

Coma is a slow-growing native tree that develops into a rounded canopy with small, glossy leaves that persist through most of the year. It produces tiny white flowers nearly year-round and develops small blue-black berries that wildlife enjoy.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Coma is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
  • Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
  • Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The long flowering period provides nectar for butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout most of the year. Birds feed on the small berries in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Coma need?
Coma grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coma bloom?
Coma blooms in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and December.
Where is Coma native?
Coma (Sideroxylon celastrinum) is native to AL, FL, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Coma attract?
Coma draws butterflies and nectar insects.
Is Coma HOA-friendly?
Coma is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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