The Green Buttonwood Conocarpus erectus is a great tree for coastal planting. Its high salt and drought tolerances provide a great screen for privacy. Considered a front line tree, the Green Buttonwood is tolerant of extreme exposure to salt spray. It can be used for hedging, as a shade tree, and a specimen plant. It is said to also have been used for smoking meats and fish, as well as for cabinetry and charcoal making due to its strength. The Green Buttonwood is a Florida native tree and is known for its tenacity. Full sun, high alkaline soil, and salty air, are all ideal conditions, making it the perfect tree for south Florida and coastal areas.