// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Horse sugar

Symplocos tinctoria

Horse sugar (Symplocos tinctoria) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 18'–45'. Blooms Feb–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 15 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, LA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 18'–45'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Feb–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Horse sugar (Symplocos tinctoria) — *Symplocos tinctoria* — Horse sugar. Photo by Eric Hunt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Horse sugar (Symplocos tinctoria) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 18'–45'. Blooms Feb–May.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, horse sugar pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).