How to Grow and Care for Catchbirdtrees

Birdlime tree (Pisonia umbellifera) is an evergreen shrub that will grow from 2.5 to 3.5 m tall. Foliage is attractive with variegated leaves in shades of green and white. Blooms in summer with clusters of fragrant, small green flowers that blush with pink tinges. Sweet, sticky fruit ripens after blooming, attracting insects and small birds, which often get stuck to the fruit, giving it the name birdlime tree.

Pullback (*Pisonia aculeata*) is a tree with enormous spines. Another name for it is catchbird tree because sometimes birds get caught on the spines. This tree has limbs so slender they look more like vines than branches.

Water mampoo is a distinctive plant with broad, heart-shaped leaves and a sprawling growth habit. Its thick, woody stems and large foliage are adaptations to its native tropical habitats, where it competes for sunlight. The plant produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers, but is better recognized for its sticky fruits that ensnare birds, aiding in seed dispersal. This survival strategy highlights water mampoo's tenacious grip in its ecosystem.

Mexican devil's-claws is a tropical species known for its broad, lush green leaves and dense clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers. Its robust form typically thrives in warm, humid environments, often forming thickets. The plant’s sticky seeds enable it to hitch rides on animals, aiding in its opportunistic spread. This striking plant can dominate the understory of coastal forests, contributing to its ecological resilience.