The Bloom Report

Spring comes early, and so do wildflowers

Florida's 2012 spring wildflower bloom should be bountiful and early in the Panhandle, thanks to a wet, warm winter. Other areas of the state, however, probably won't be able to match the Panhandle's spectacular displays due to lack of winter rain, with the unseasonably warm weather making soil even drier.

The Panhandle's rain and abnormally warm weather have prompted the early emergence of both wildflower seedlings and perennials. Expect wildflowers to bloom earlier in other parts of Florida, too, especially in sunny, moist areas – ditches and swales, moist prairies, and edges of streams, lakes and ponds.

Along roadsides, wildflower viewing generally is best in rural areas with wide shoulders and bright light. The turf is often less manicured, which encourages natural vegetation, including native wildflowers.

In moist areas throughout much of the state, violets (Viola spp.) and white Rain lilies (Zephyranthes spp.) started to bloom in February, followed by blue Prairie iris (Iris hexagona), and buttery Southeastern sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum). Other common native species found throughout Florida in moist areas are Leavenworth's tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii) and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), although in the Panhandle Black-eyed Susan tends to occur in drier habitats than in Central and South Florida.

Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii)*, with its showy flowers ranging from pink to purple, is already blooming as far north as Gainesville. It puts on a good show every year regardless of dry or wet weather. Non-native phlox is a familiar roadside wildflower throughout the Big Bend and as far south as Tampa, including along Interstate 75. Despite the anticipated dry weather this spring, expect to see swaths of non-native Goldenmane tickseed (Coreopsis basalis)* adorning North Florida's roadsides and fields in May.

When you are out and about and enjoying Mother Nature's spring beauty, please don't pick wildflowers. If you want to preserve the memory of a wildflower, take a picture – it will last longer. Many of our native wildflowers reproduce only by seed. Picking a flower reduces the ability of that plant to reproduce and for that population of wildflowers to sustain itself. If you want to pick wildflowers, plant some in your yard or in containers on your patio or porch. Wildflower seed packets are available from the Florida Wildflower Seed and Plant Growers Association. Click here for seed packet availability and ordering. Seed packets of Florida native wildflowers also may be available at garden centers specializing in Florida native plants. To find a native garden center near you, visit the Florida Association of Native Nurseries' Website.

For specific locations in which to view wildflowers, the Florida Wildflower Foundation recommends these routes:

• Panhandle Wildflower Route: Liberty County, which includes SR 65 from Telogia to Sumatra, continues to be the best place in Florida to view native wildflowers. A brochure featuring eastern Panhandle viewing areas, as well as photos of common wildflowers, will soon be available at Panhandle state welcome centers, chambers of commerce, and regional visitor centers. To request a copy, send your name and address with a check or money order for $5 to: Eastern Panhandle Brochure, c/o Florida Wildflower Foundation, PO Box 941066, Maitland, FL 32794-1066.
• St. Johns River to the Sea Bike Loop: Volusia, Brevard, Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
• Big Bend Wildflower Route: Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Taylor counties.
• Corkscrew Swamp Vicinity Wildflower Route: Collier, Hendry and Lee counties.

For more information about these routes, visit the Foundation's Research page and scroll down to the report links.

* NOTE: While native to the U.S., often considered as not native to Florida.

Not-so-good effects of our current weather pattern

Germination and growth of spring flowering species, except in naturally moist areas, likely will be inhibited by the current drought. Also, normally wet, mucky areas on roadsides – usually refuges for wildflowers because they are inaccessible to mowers – have dried to the point that they are being mowed.

Take Action: Contact your county maintenance yard supervisor to ask that wildflowers in specific locations be spared. On federal and U.S. highways, contact the Florida Department of Transportation district office. Click here to find your district office.

The Foundation supports wildflower planting, research and education statewide with donations from the sale of the State Wildflower license tag. Support work for wildflowers by purchasing the tag or becoming a Foundation member.