SafePlants

Swamp Titi (Cyrilla racemiflora)

Cyrilla racemiflora, commonly known as Swamp Titi, is also referred to by several other names, including Black Titi, White Titi, Red Titi, Leatherwood, Swamp Cyrilla, American Cyrilla, Burnwood Bark, Palo Colorado, Ironwood, He Huckleberry, and Myrtle.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant can grow as a shrub or small tree.
• The bark of the tree has been described as distinct.
• It's presence in swamps may suggest moist habitats in home gardens.

Considerations for Children

• This plant can grow as a shrub or small tree.
• The bark of the tree has been described as distinct.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyrilla racemiflora L.
• Family: Cyrillaceae (Ti-Ti Family)
• Group: Dicot
• Synonyms: The text mentions the variety Cyrilla racemiflora var. racemiflora.
• The genus is referred to as Cyrilla (titi).

Distribution and Habitat

• Swamp Titi is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the southeastern U.S., extending from eastern Texas to Florida and north to Virginia.
• It is found in swamps, acid shrub bogs, wet pine flatwoods, cypress domes, along stream banks, pocosins, and lake and flatwood pond margins.
• It is common in the Coastal Plain and rare in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Cyrilla racemiflora is a deciduous shrub or small tree.
• It can grow to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height and 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in spread.
• It has a slow growth rate.
• It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and hardiness zones 6-11.
• It is in leaf from April 10th.
• It flowers from August.
• It has glossy foliage and profuse, tiny flowers.
• Mature trees can reach up to 30 feet in height, though they typically range from 7 to 15 feet.
• The tree has a short, stout, crooked trunk and a spreading crown.
• It is deciduous in the north and semi-evergreen in the south.
• Young trees look shrubby for several years before developing into slender trees with smooth bark.

Quirky Facts

• "Titi" is pronounced "tie-tie".
• Beginning beekeepers may confuse Black Titi with White Titi.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers are fragrant.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is referenced as a community where users share gardening tips and ideas.
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cyrilla racemiflora.