Geobalanus oblongifolius
Geobalanus oblongifolius
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Geobalanus oblongifolius 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
4"–18" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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A low, colony-forming shrub that spreads by underground stems into a knee-high groundcover, with leathery oval leaves and small white flowers followed by a dry, plum-like fruit. Common in dry sandy pine scrub, where it forms extensive spreading patches.
Wildlife value
Spring flowers support native bees, and the fruit, though largely inedible to people, is eaten by small mammals including gopher tortoises, for which it is named.
Common questions
- How much sun does Geobalanus oblongifolius need?
- Geobalanus oblongifolius grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Geobalanus oblongifolius bloom?
- Geobalanus oblongifolius blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Geobalanus oblongifolius native?
- Geobalanus oblongifolius is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Geobalanus oblongifolius attract?
- Geobalanus oblongifolius draws bees.
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 Geobalanus oblongifolius? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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