A: Swamp Titi, Cyrilla racemiflora, is a shrub/tree often found in wetland or swamp areas. It is known by a few other common names such as Swamp Cryilla or Leatherwood. The wood is of no commercial value. If allowed to grow to its potential, Titi can grow up to 30 feet tall but most often grows to about 15 feet. Titi prefers moist, acid soil but it has been known to tolerate dry periods.

It is blooming now, in the late spring, here in Northeast Florida. I have seen many Titi plants growing along the roadside especially on the west part of Nassau County. The shrub can be found growing from Virginia down to Central Florida over to Texas.

The flowers are called racemes, which look similar to four to six finger-like structures bearing white to cream colored flowers. These racemes hang down from the tips of the branches providing a lovely display for passers-by. The leaves are oblong and dark green and the tree is often mistaken for Redbay trees.

According to Virginia Technical University Extension, Titi flowers do not attract butterflies but the tree is used as a food source for white-tail deer. Bee keepers prize the Titi as the flowers provide sufficient nectar for honey bees. The honey made from the Titi flower is reported to be of excellent flavor. If you have areas in your yard, which periodically receive and retain water then this tree would be a good choice.

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