Holywood -Guaiacum sanctum
With showy blue flowers that are evident year round, holywood is a slow growing
evergreen tree. Small yellow heart shaped berries follow the flowers but are also often present at the same time as flowers. With a rounded canopy that is often compared to a Crape-Myrtle, holy wood can be grown as a small, multiple-stemmed tree.
Holywood has great ornamental value in addition to being the caterpillar food plant for the Lyside Sulphur. Unfortunately, due to its slow growth, it is not often found for sale in nurseries.
Importance as a caterpillar food source: Used by the Lyside Sulphur as it's major food source. The Lyside Sulphur butterfly is seen sporadically from July to October in the Florida Keys. Some years see large emigrations of the butterfly in late summer or fall.
Importance as a butterfly nectar source: This plant is somewhat attractive as a nectar source.
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10b |
| Bloom Period | Year round |
| Bloom Color | Blue |
| Plant Height | 8 to 12 feet |
| Plant Spread | 8 to 12 feet |
| Light Exposure | Full to part sun |
| Soil Moisture | Low; has high drought tolerance |
| Animal/Pest Problems | Will tolerate salt wind and some soil salt |

Native Range for Holywood (Guaiacum sanctum)

