The Gumbo Limbo Tree (Bursera simaruba) is a beloved South Florida native, instantly recognizable by its glossy, copper-red peeling bark — the reason locals call it the “Tourist Tree.” Fast-growing, wind-tough, and nearly maintenance-free, it is one of the best shade trees for coastal and native landscapes.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Gumbo Limbo Tree Breakdown
Appearance:
A thick, often leaning trunk with smooth bark that peels in papery, reddish-bronze sheets over a green underlayer.
The open, spreading canopy carries pinnate leaves of glossy green leaflets; it drops its leaves briefly in the dry season before flushing again.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
Establishes quickly and can put on several feet a year in good conditions.
Size:
30–50 feet tall with a canopy 30–40 feet wide.
Available in 25-gallon (8–10 feet) and 45-gallon (10–12 feet).
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun.
Tolerates part shade when young.
Water Needs:
Low.
Water during establishment, then it is highly drought tolerant. Also salt tolerant.
Soil Preferences:
Sandy, limestone, or rocky well-drained soils — the thin soils of coastal South Florida suit it perfectly.
Maintenance:
Low.
Little pruning needed beyond shaping young trees. The soft wood can break in storms, but the tree is rated among the most hurricane-resistant Florida natives and recovers quickly.
Landscape Use:
Shade tree for lawns and large yards, native and coastal landscapes, parks, and buffers.
Its bark makes it a conversation piece as a specimen.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10–11.
Thrives in heat, humidity, salt, and wind; frost-sensitive.
Gumbo Limbo gives you real shade fast, with a trunk worth looking at and almost nothing to do once it is in the ground — a native that earns its spot.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Gumbo Limbo Tree ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Gumbo Limbo Tree in Florida
Select a Stable Location
Choose a spot with full sun to partial sun and room for mature canopy growth. Avoid planting too close to structures.
Dig a Wide Hole
Dig 2–3x wider than the root ball but only as deep as the container. Trees should never be planted too deep.
Set Tree + Backfill
Place the tree level to slightly above grade. Backfill with native soil and firm gently to remove air pockets.
Deep Watering Schedule
Water deeply right after planting, then daily for the first 1–2 weeks. Gradually taper as roots establish.
Staking + Early Care
Stake only if needed for stability. Remove stakes once rooted. Minor leaf drop during establishment is normal.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Excellent communication and awesome product! At an incredible price too! We're really happy with our new palm trees 🌴 Thank you so much!
Great price for plants with delivery in PBC. They also did the install and did a great job! I ordered Saturday and had everything in by end of Tuesday. They were quick, upfront with pricing, reasonable and the plants are healthy and gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
