Horse Sugar is also known as Yellowwood and Sweetleaf. Throughout the world there are about 350 recorded species; nearly all in the Sweetleaf genus. The species pictured here is the only native species known in the southeastern United States. While they are accepted as small trees, in the Escambia woods and flood plains it usually appears as a shrub. The flowers are yellowish-green with numerous stamens that extend beyond the petals. Generally, the flowers appear before its lance-like leaves emerge. Flowering occurs in early spring; March to May. Its preferred habitat is stream edges, dry or alluvial woods and flood zones. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

The common names Sweetleaf and Horse Sugar refer to the tasty foliage, which livestock eat with gusto. The name Yellowwood and the Latin species name refer to the yellow dye obtained from the bark and leaves. The bark, though bitter, was used by early settlers as a tonic.