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West indian-birch

Bursera simaruba

Last reviewed: August 2026

West indian-birch (Bursera simaruba)
Photo: (c) Ricard Busquets Reverte, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ricard Busquets Reverte

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

240"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

FL

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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A fast-growing tree with smooth, coppery, peeling bark and an open, rounded canopy of compound leaves that drop during the dry season.

Wildlife value

Fruits are an important food source for migrating songbirds, and the small flowers attract pollinating insects.

Common questions

How much sun does West indian-birch need?
West indian-birch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does West indian-birch bloom?
West indian-birch blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is West indian-birch native?
West indian-birch (Bursera simaruba) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does West indian-birch attract?
West indian-birch 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.

Ready to grow West indian-birch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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