Wild Coffee
(Psychotria nervosa)
Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)
/
/

© Jake Gross
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Jake Gross
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Jake Gross | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: pteridude | Publisher: iNaturalist |
























Estimated Native Range
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
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: