The seven year apple (Casasia clusiifolia) is an evergreen coastal shrub or small tree that is native to South Florida.

Growing up to 10 to 12 feet tall and equally as wide, seven year apples prefer full sun to light shade and drier, sandier soils once established. Their leaves are large, usually 2 to 6 inches.

“This is a great coastal area shrub or small tree to put in your landscaping. It’s very lovely with the bright shiny green leaves, and it always looks very tropical,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sue Ramos. “It’s a great butterfly attractant, and Northern mockingbirds love to eat the fruit.” 

Despite this plant’s name, it actually only takes about 10-12 months for its apple-like fruits to develop. Once ripened, they turn black and form a wrinkly outer layer. Technically they’re edible, but “they’re not very tasty,” Ramos said.

In the spring and summer, the seven year apple develops small, showy, fragrant white flowers.

“We featured the seven year apple back in August of 2022, right before Hurricane Ian,” she said. “Today, after having a couple of storm surges, its importance is even greater in my mind, because it will make it through many storms … and be lovely on the other side.”

Learn more about or purchase native plants like the seven year apple at our Native Landscapes and Garden Center, open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.