Persea americana 'Brogdon' (Avocado)

Persea americana, the avocado, is an evergreen fruit tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, cultivated for thousands of years and now grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Belonging to the laurel family, it develops into a medium to large tree with a dense canopy of glossy green leaves, reaching 20 to 60 feet depending on climate and rootstock, and remaining productive for decades.
Fruits vary widely in size, shape, skin texture, and color - from smooth green to rough dark-purple - depending on the cultivar. The flesh is rich in healthy oils and prized for its smooth buttery texture. The species is also notable for its unusual flowering biology, with flowers opening in two phases that promote cross-pollination between complementary types.
Cultivars derived from Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian genetic backgrounds show considerable variation in fruit quality, harvest season, and cold tolerance. The hardiest Mexican-type selections may survive temperatures near 20F when mature, while many West Indian types sustain damage below 30F. Avocado grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture; it is sensitive to prolonged waterlogging. Generally suited to USDA Zones 9b-11. See more about avocado:
Avocado varieties chart.
Avocado variety guide: Snack or Guacamole?
Growing avocadoes in Florida
The Magic of the Avocado

Persea americana 'Brogdon' is a cold-tolerant avocado cultivar from Florida, believed to have significant Mexican-race ancestry, valued for its rich flavor and reliable performance in marginal growing climates.

The fruit is medium-sized, pear-shaped to oval, with deep purple to nearly black skin at maturity - relatively thin and smooth for a dark-skinned cultivar. The flesh is yellow, creamy, and high in oil, with a buttery texture and excellent flavor often considered superior to many cold-hardy selections. The tree is vigorous and evergreen with a rounded canopy, typically reaching 20 to 30 feet but manageable with pruning.

Mature trees can tolerate brief drops to around 22-25F, making 'Brogdon' one of the more cold-hardy avocado cultivars available, suited to USDA Zones 8b-11. It grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture during establishment.