Wild Coffee

(Psychotria nervosa)

Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Psychotria nervosa image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Psychotria nervosa, commonly known as Wild Coffee or Seminole Balsamo, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of hammocks, moist forests, and shady riverbanks in Florida, the West Indies, and Central and South America. It typically grows 4-10 feet tall and wide, with a dense, rounded form. The glossy, dark green leaves and persistent red to black berries provide visual interest throughout the year. The small white flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, are not particularly showy but are attractive to pollinators.

Wild Coffee is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions and for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage and bird-friendly berries. It is commonly used in residential landscaping for border planting, as an understory plant in shaded areas, or for naturalizing in woodland gardens. It prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and requires little maintenance once established. While it tolerates a range of light conditions, from full shade to partial sun, it does best in filtered sunlight or dappled shade. This plant is not known to have significant disease or pest issues, but it can be sensitive to cold temperatures and may require protection in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-10 feet
  • Width: 3-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Understory of hammocks, moist forests, and shady riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Seminole Balsamo , Florida Wild Coffee , Bastard Cankerberry , Bastard Canckerberry

Scientific Names: Psychotria nervosa , Bertiera ferruginea , Bertiera ferrugrinea , Bertiera ferrugrinea , Myrstiphyllum undatum , Psychotria chimarrhoides , Psychotria elongata , Psychotria fadyenii , Psychotria granadensis , Psychotria hirta

GBIF Accepted Name: