Scarlet calamint red flowers

Scarlet calamint

The brilliant red flowers of Scarlet calamint (Calamintha coccinea) offer a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of scrub, sandhill and coastal dunes where the plant naturally occurs. The long, nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and large butterflies. They bloom in abundance in early spring and late fall, but may flower sporadically throughout the year. In peak bloom, a single plant may produce 100 or more flowers.

Ashe’s calamint

Ashe’s calamint

Ashe’s calamint (Calamintha ashei) is a state-threatened shrub that typically blooms in spring but can bloom as early as January and as late as summer or early fall.

Climate Change and Florida’s Native Plants

Climate Change and Florida’s Native Plants

From the Apalachicola River Basin to the Lake Wales Ridge and into the Everglades, Florida has many unique plant communities. How each of these ecosystems will respond to a rapidly changing climate is likely to be as unique as those environments themselves.

Dry Landscapes

Dry Landscapes

Wondering what native wildflowers and plants to use in a dry landscape? Use our new handout to evaluate your landscape’s soil moisture and choose diverse species that will thrive and give your landscape a “real Florida” feel. Versión en español disponible.

A planting of Tropical salvia in full bloom.

Bloom Report: When seeing red is a good thing!

Our Summer Bloom Report from Jeff Norcini, PhD will have you seeing red in the most beautiful way! Vibrant red native wildflowers brighten the landscape, and those with tubular flowers will attract hummingbirds (and butterflies, too).

Christmasberry's lavender flowers

Christmasberry

Christmasberry (Lycium carolinianum) gets its common name from the many bright red, egg-shaped berries it produces in December. While toxic to some animals, they are favored by many birds.

Celebrating Micanopy’s Pollinator Victory Garden

Celebrating Micanopy’s Pollinator Victory Garden

Micanopy celebrated its 200th anniversary with a new Pollinator Victory Garden, supported by a Viva Florida grant. The garden will provide food, shelter and habitat for pollinators and be a centerpiece for this historic town.

Micanopy Native Plant Garden

The Micanopy native plant garden utilizes Florida native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs that provide vital habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, as well as seeds, berries and insects for birds.