How much sun does David's Milkberry need?

David's Milkberry grows best in part sun conditions.

Where is David's Milkberry native?

David's Milkberry (Chiococca alba) is native to FL, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does David's Milkberry attract?

David's Milkberry draws nectar insects.

Is David's Milkberry HOA-friendly?

David's Milkberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

David's Milkberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chiococca alba

Last reviewed: August 2026

David's Milkberry (Chiococca alba) is a perennial shrub native to FL, TX. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw nectar insects.

Toxicity unknown

David's Milkberry (Chiococca alba) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–72" H × 60"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

FL, TX

Pollinators

nectar insects

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

This native shrub produces small white flowers nearly year-round, followed by distinctive white berries that give it its common name. It forms a dense, rounded bush that works well as a medium-sized landscape specimen or informal hedge.

Growing David's Milkberry

Grow David's Milkberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 72 inches tall and spread 60 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

David's Milkberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The long blooming period attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects throughout most of the growing season. Birds enjoy the white berries that follow the flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does David's Milkberry need?: David's Milkberry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does David's Milkberry bloom?: David's Milkberry blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is David's Milkberry native?: David's Milkberry (Chiococca alba) is native to FL, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does David's Milkberry attract?: David's Milkberry draws nectar insects.
Is David's Milkberry HOA-friendly?: David's Milkberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow David's Milkberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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