Leadwood
Krugiodendron ferreum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Leadwood (Krugiodendron ferreum) is a perennial tree native to FL. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown
Leadwood (Krugiodendron ferreum) 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
240"–480" H × 180"–300" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, flies
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.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Leadwood.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slow-growing evergreen tree with extremely dense, hard wood, glossy dark green leaves, and small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers. Found in coastal hammocks and rockland forests.
Growing Leadwood
Grow Leadwood in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Small flowers attract bees and flies; dark, berry-like fruits are eaten by birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Leadwood need?
- Leadwood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Leadwood bloom?
- Leadwood blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Leadwood native?
- Leadwood (Krugiodendron ferreum) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Leadwood attract?
- Leadwood draws bees and flies.
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 Leadwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
