Member Spotlight: Kelly Tesiero

Member Spotlight: Kelly Tesiero

Kelly supports the Foundation because it grows her network of native plant and ecological experts, educates her with seminars and makes it super easy to access wildflower information.

Sundial lupine

Sundial lupine

Of Florida’s four native Lupine species, the Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) has a unique style, from its ombré blooms that transition from light blue to violet purple to its palmately compound leaves.

Sabal palm

Sabal palm

As one of our most ubiquitous native plants, it is easy to see why Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) is Florida’s state tree. Also known as Cabbage palm, this evergreen fan palm occurs nearly throughout Florida.

American pokeweed

American pokeweed

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is an interesting native plant with quite a history! Found throughout Florida, it grows in woodlands and disturbed sites. The plant has significant wildlife value for pollinators and birds alike.

Yellow passionflower in bloom.

Yellow passionflower

Occurring naturally in woodlands, thickets and maritime forests, Yellow passionflower (Passiflora lutea) is a beautiful, if unassuming, native vine. It blooms in summer, setting fruit in fall and is wonderful for an array of wildlife.

Native Plants for Florida Gardens cover

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Shop NOTE: Orders placed between Dec 20 and Jan 2 will be shipped on Jan 3. Native Plants for Florida Gardens by Stacey Matrazzo and Nancy Bissett of the Florida Wildflower Foundation (Pineapple Press, 2019) Takes the mystery out of using native plants in urban landscapes! Showcasing 100 species of wildflowers, vines, shrubs and trees….

Triepeolus bee

Cuckoo bees

Cuckoo bees are often mistaken for wasps because their body shape resembles a wasp, and they are nearly hairless. They also lack the pollen baskets that most bees have on their legs because they do not collect pollen for their young.

Pricklypear cactus bloom

Pricklypear cactus

Pricklypear cactus (Opuntia mesacantha) flowers in late spring, attracting a wide range of pollinators, especially native bees. The fleshy fruits and seeds are eaten by birds, small mammals and gopher tortoises.

Karin and Walter Taylor walking in field of flowers

Member profile: Walter and Karin Taylor

You will find Walter and Karin Taylor at most Florida Wildflower Foundation and Florida Native Plant Society events, many times volunteering their time to speak to others or sit at information tables and promote wildflowers.

Wild columbine

Wild columbine

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is one of Florida’s most striking and unique native wildflowers. It occurs naturally in only three counties in the Panhandle and is a state-listed endangered species.

20 Easy-to-Grow Wildflowers — your guide to success!

With interest mounting in using wildflowers in urban landscapes, there is a huge demand for information about Florida’s native plants. “20 Easy-to-Grow Wildflowers” features a selection of 20 “tried and true” species that are easy to grow and maintain.

Woodland poppymallow

Woodland poppymallow

Woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver) is one of Florida’s most unique native wildflowers, with large, cuplike blooms ranging from bright magenta to wine red.