Gumbo Limbo
About this species.
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) is South Florida's signature shade tree — easily recognized by its iconic coppery-red peeling papery bark that earned it the nickname 'the tourist tree' (because it looks like a sunburned visitor). Hurricane-tough, drought-tolerant, fast-growing, and one of the easiest specimen trees in zone 10+ Florida landscapes.
Identification
- Distinctive coppery-red peeling papery bark — the single most diagnostic feature, visible from anywhere on the property.
- Pinnately compound leaves with 5–9 ovate leaflets.
- Open spreading rounded crown with somewhat sparse branching.
- 30–60 ft typical mature height.
- Often slightly leaning trunk character — adds to the sculptural appeal.
- Wildlife-friendly — birds nest in the open canopy, the bark provides micro-habitat for native insects.
Where you'll see them
South Florida residential and resort landscapes — Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, and the Keys. Less common north of Naples in Charlotte and Sarasota counties due to cold sensitivity, though protected microclimates (waterfront, urban heat islands) can support them in southern Sarasota County.
Florida-specific care
- Cold-sensitive — freeze damage typical at temperatures below 28°F. Northern range limit is roughly Charlotte/Lee county line.
- Drought-tolerant once established. Salt-tolerant for coastal positions.
- Cuttings root easily — you can literally stick a freshly-cut branch in the ground in the right season and it will root. Used historically as living fence posts.
- Pruning rarely needed beyond shape maintenance. Natural sculptural form is the appeal.
- Hurricane-tough — drops branches readily but the trunk and main scaffolding usually survive major storms.
Hurricane behavior
Gumbo limbo earns a top-tier wind-resistance score in UF/IFAS surveys. The strategy is sacrificial branch loss — the tree readily sheds smaller limbs to reduce wind load, preserving the trunk and main scaffolding. Properties with gumbo limbos typically look messy after a major storm but the trees themselves usually recover.
What to know.
- High wind-resistance score — one of the better choices for Florida hurricane country.
Frequently asked.
Why is it called 'the tourist tree'?
The coppery-red peeling bark looks like a sunburned tourist who's peeling. It's a long-standing nickname in South Florida and the Caribbean. The peeling is normal seasonal bark renewal, not a sign of disease.
How far north can I plant gumbo limbo?
Reliably in Lee County and southward (Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Sanibel). Charlotte County is borderline — protected coastal microclimates work, exposed inland sites often see freeze damage. Sarasota County usually too cold for reliable performance.
Can I propagate one from a cutting?
Yes — gumbo limbo is famously easy to propagate. A cut branch stuck in moist soil during the right season (typically late winter or early spring) often roots and grows. Historically used as living fence posts in the Caribbean. Most of the gumbo limbos you see in older South Florida neighborhoods started as cuttings.
Services for gumbo limbos.
The work we do on gumbo limbos most often. Each card links straight to the service detail.