Everglades squarestem
Melanthera angustifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Everglades squarestem (Melanthera angustifolia) is a perennial shrub native to FL. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Everglades squarestem (Melanthera angustifolia) 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
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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A low, woody-based coastal perennial with narrow leaves and small clusters of white brush-like flowers blooming across most of the year in frost-free areas. It has a loose, wiry habit best used informally.
Growing Everglades squarestem
Grow Everglades squarestem in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The near-continuous bloom cycle makes it a dependable nectar source for bees and butterflies in coastal plantings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Everglades squarestem need?
- Everglades squarestem grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Everglades squarestem bloom?
- Everglades squarestem blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Everglades squarestem native?
- Everglades squarestem (Melanthera angustifolia) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Everglades squarestem attract?
- Everglades squarestem draws bees and butterflies.
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 Everglades squarestem? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.