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.
If you are tired of mowing, watering and fertilizing the lawn, consider replacing your turf grass with Oblongleaf twinflower (Dyschoriste oblongifolia), an easy-to-care-for native groundcover.
Woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver) is one of Florida’s most unique native wildflowers, with cup-like crimson blooms that resemble a challis of red wine. The flowers attract a variety of bees, which are their primary pollinator.
Florida’s wildflowers don’t always follow the rules. In this summer bloom report we’re featuring a few fun, weird and wonderful facts about some quirky native blooms!
Poaceae is a large and diverse plant family comprising more than 11,000 species of grasses worldwide. There are around 500 species found in Florida, nearly half of which are non-native.
Halictidae, or sweat bees, are an extremely diverse group that are often abundant year round. Some are metallic green, others are smaller than a grain of rice, and nearly all are valuable pollinators.
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.
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 (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.
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 (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.
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.
