Roadside patch of Chapman's fringed orchid, Platanthera chapmanii

Regional Wildflower Alliances

Regional Alliances Regional Wildflower Alliances are active networks of wildflower enthusiasts that protect native wildflowers. Through communication, collaboration and information sharing, members support and inspire each other as they create knowledge and awareness of native wildflowers and their value to Florida’s environmental and economic health. about the alliances What members do As active volunteers, Alliance…

FDOT Wildflower Program Procedure

Florida Department of Transportation Wildflower Program This page is hosted by the Florida Wildflower Foundation as a courtesy to the Florida Department of Transportation. Program Procedure The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) enacted its first Wildflower Program Procedure in 2004 to prescribe the program’s requirements and responsibilities. In 2014, the Environmental Management Office and Office…

Literature Compilation: Problematic Plant Species for Wildflower Establishment

Seed sowing is often the most economical means of establishing wildflower plantings in landscape and natural settings. However, competition from noxious weeds or aggressive native species that co-exist on a site can present major limitations to wildflower seedling establishment in restoration and landscaping settings. Wildflower planting failure is sometimes expressed as decreased aesthetic value in…

Plant for Wildlife Final Report

This project evaluated the relationship of three types of Florida suburban landscapes – native plants, Florida Friendly Landscaping, and nonnative (exotic) – to attract/benefit native wildlife, specifically mobile insect pollinators essential to Florida’s ecology and economy.

Carolina cranesbill flowers

Carolina cranesbill

Carolina cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum) is an annual native wildflower that occurs in lawns, urban gardens and disturbed areas throughout Florida. It is often considered a weed, but its winter- and spring-blooming flowers attract bees and other small pollinators. Birds eat the seeds and white-tailed deer may forage on the leaves. Humans can eat the leaves, too, but they can be very bitter and astringent. The root has been used historically to treat sore throats and diarrhea. Carolina cranesbill is Florida’s only native Geranium species.

Yellow rabbitbells flower

Rabbitbells

Rabbitbells (Crotalaria rotundifolia) is a low-growing wildflower found in pinelands, sandhills and disturbed sandy areas throughout Florida. Its small yellow flowers bloom throughout the year, attracting mostly bees. The unassuming plant often goes unnoticed as its flowers do not open until the afternoon and remain open only for one day. Of the 15 species of Crotalaria that occur in Florida, only four are native. Rabbitbells is the most common and widespread of the native species.

Where to See Wildflowers

Where to See Wildflowers

Where to See Wildflowers Want to know what’s blooming in your neck of the woods? We’ve got you covered with our seasonal bloom reports and photo albums, wildflower driving routes and hotspots. bloom report Fall for Bidens! Florida is home to seven native species of Bidens, all of which are commonly known as Spanish needles or…

Zebra longwing, Heliconius charithonia

Zebra longwing

Zebra longwing butterflies ( Heliconius charitonia) are found throughout the state, but this common Florida butterfly is anything but ordinary! Their elongated wings make them easy to distinguish from other Florida natives, but their unique attributes don’t stop there.

Delaware skipper on thistle

Delaware skipper

Originally named for the Delaware tribes of Native Americans near where this butterfly was discovered, the Delaware skipper is now found throughout the eastern United States.