Golden Dewdrop
(Duranta erecta)
Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta)
/
/
Horologium
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Horologium
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Horologium | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Horologium | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons | Title: Duranta_erecta.jpg | Notes: Duranta erecta, the Golden Dewdrop. Photo taken in front of residence in Gainesville, Florida | ObjectName: Duranta erecta | UsageTerms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Duranta erecta, commonly known as Golden Dewdrop, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical and subtropical America, including the Caribbean. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as forest edges, open woodlands, and coastal scrubs. This species typically grows to 6 m (20 ft) in height and width, with a sprawling habit. It has a moderate growth rate, with young plants growing up to half a meter per year until maturity. Mature plants may have axillary thorns, while younger specimens usually do not. Golden Dewdrop is adorned with light-blue or lavender flowers that bloom in tight clusters on terminal and axillary stems, often appearing as recurved or pendulous panicles in the summer. The showy flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
The plant is valued for its ornamental flowers and as a wildlife attractant. It is commonly used in tropical and subtropical gardens for hedges, screens, and as a stand-alone specimen. Golden Dewdrop requires full sun to partial shade, well-drained soils, and regular watering, though it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It is important to be cautious when planting Duranta erecta outside its native range, as it can become invasive. In cultivation, it may face issues with pests such as caterpillars and diseases like leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its ornamental flowers and as a wildlife attractant. It is commonly used in tropical and subtropical gardens for hedges, screens, and as a stand-alone specimen. Golden Dewdrop requires full sun to partial shade, well-drained soils, and regular watering, though it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It is important to be cautious when planting Duranta erecta outside its native range, as it can become invasive. In cultivation, it may face issues with pests such as caterpillars and diseases like leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical America, including forest edges, open woodlands, and coastal scrubs
Other Names
Common Names: Pigeon Berry, Sky Flower
Scientific Names: , Duranta erecta, Duranta repens, Duranta plumieri, Duranta ellisia, Duranta erecta var. erecta, Duranta ellisiae, Duranta repens var. alba, Duranta erecta var. grandiflora, Duranta repens var. lopez-palacii
GBIF Accepted Name: Duranta erecta L.