West indian-birch
Bursera simaruba
Last reviewed: November 2026
West indian-birch (Bursera simaruba) is a perennial tree native to FL. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for West indian-birch, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
West indian-birch (Bursera simaruba) 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"–720" H × 240"–480" 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 461 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 West indian-birch.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A fast-growing tree with smooth, coppery, peeling bark and an open, rounded canopy of compound leaves that drop during the dry season.
Growing West indian-birch
Grow West indian-birch in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide.
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.
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 West indian-birch? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.