Gopher Apple
Licania michauxii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Gopher apple is a low-growing native shrub that forms dense mats of glossy evergreen foliage. It produces small white flowers in spring and early summer, followed by small fruits. This drought-tolerant groundcover works well in sandy soils and coastal conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gopher Apple 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.
- Very informal spreading growth habit
- May appear too wild or unstructured for front yards
- Dense mat formation can look unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract native bees and beetles for pollination. The fruits provide food for various wildlife including gopher tortoises, and the dense growth provides shelter for small animals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gopher Apple need?
- Gopher Apple grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Gopher Apple bloom?
- Gopher Apple blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Gopher Apple native?
- Gopher Apple (Licania michauxii) is native to FL, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Gopher Apple attract?
- Gopher Apple draws bees and beetles.
- Is Gopher Apple HOA-friendly?
- Gopher Apple 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 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 Gopher Apple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz