Maidenbush
Heterosavia bahamensis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) 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
60"–180" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, flies
Before you buy
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A dense, thorny evergreen shrub or small tree with small oval leaves and inconspicuous small flowers followed by dark berry-like fruit. Grows in rocky coastal hammocks with a naturally tight, twiggy form.
Wildlife value
Small fruit is eaten by songbirds, and the dense thorny branching provides safe nesting cover in coastal hammock habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Maidenbush need?
- Maidenbush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Maidenbush bloom?
- Maidenbush blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Maidenbush native?
- Maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Maidenbush attract?
- Maidenbush 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 Maidenbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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