Silver Damas (Conocarpus erectus)

A hardy and versatile evergreen tree prized for its dense foliage and adaptability to urban and coastal environments.

Silver Damas, also known as the Buttonwood, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree from the Combretaceae family, native to coastal regions of the Americas, including the southern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It is valued for its dense, rounded crown and glossy, oval-shaped dark green leaves that add structure and greenery to gardens, streetscapes, or landscapes.

Typically reaching 1–4 meters in height, Silver Damas produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer, followed by woody capsule fruits containing seeds. Its resilience allows it to tolerate a variety of soil types—including sandy, salty, and urban soils—making it ideal for coastal plantings, urban landscaping, and decorative hedges.

Caring for your Silver Damas

Difficulty level: Easy
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering schedule: Once or twice a week (well-draining soil preferred)
Soil type: Tolerant of sandy, salty, and urban soils
Pet friendliness: Yes