WINGED LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: WINGED LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum)

Likes it moist/wet. Loved by bees and other pollinators; hummingbirds.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/lythrum-alatum-var-lanceolatum

Larval host: Psyche casta (bagworm moth)

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Lythrum+alatum

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3282

My take: http://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/03/winging-it-for-pollinators/

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PURPLE PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora incarnata)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: PURPLE PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora incarnata)

First Bloom of the 2020 season!

Also called Maypop (appropriately) and passionvine. A deciduous vine that climbs by tendrils. Can spread by underground runners far from initial planting, so not for every garden situation.

Larval host plant for Gulf Fritillary Butterfly (Agraulis vanillae), Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia), Variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia). Fruits edible by mammals, including humans.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/passiflora-incarnata

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus:  http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Passiflora+incarnata

Where does it grow in Florida? https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3464

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MEADOWBEAUTY (Rhexia sp.)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: MEADOWBEAUTY (Rhexia sp.)

There are several different Rhexia species in Florida.

Possible host for Rufous Geometer Moth (Xanthotype rufaria) source: http://www.plumemoth.com/HabeckGeometridaePublished.pdf

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/rhexia-spp

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Rhexia

Where does it grow in Florida?: http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Genus.aspx?id=1045

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HELMET SKULLCAP (Scutellaria integrifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: HELMET SKULLCAP (Scutellaria integrifolia)

Spring bloomer. Readily reseeds and has now propagated from outside the fence alongside the culvert and appeared in my yard.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/scutellaria-integrifolia

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Scutellaria

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3494

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Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant GRASSLEAF LETTUCE (Lactuca graminifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?:
Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant GRASSLEAF LETTUCE (Lactuca graminifolia)

Photo depicts the seeds (fruit) of this Florida native.

host for NATIVE BEES: Dianthidium floridiense and Halictus ligatus (according to Archbold Station)

Learn: http://journals.fcla.edu/mundi/article/view/24996/24327

Good for pollinators. cant find definitive answer re edibility other than most L. spp. are bitter.

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=lactuca

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3166

Photos of buds and blooms: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2014/02/11/grassleaf-lettuce-lactuca-graminifolia-3/

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PURPLE THISTLE; HORRID THISTLE (Cirsium horridulum)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: PURPLE THISTLE; HORRID THISTLE (Cirsium horridulum)

New to my home species list.  Thanks to the bird, mammal or wind that planted this…it was a nice surprise.

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Cirsium+horridulum

Larval Host: Little Metalmark Butterfly; Ive seen other notations that Cirsium spp. may be a host for the Painted lady Butterfly as well.

Learn: https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/cirsium-horridulum

Learn more: https://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/PD_PFriendly.asp?tx=Cirshorr

Where does it grow in Florida? https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3210

Included in an article “native edibles for salads” (Palmetto 1992)

Click to access deuerling_dick__peggy_lantz_salads__native_wild_foods_series_vol_12_no_1_spring_1992.pdf

Thistles can be a playground of biodiversity:
My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/the-biodiversity-of-a-single-native-plant/

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BLUEJACKET; OHIO SPIDERWORT (Tradescantia ohiensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BLUEJACKET; OHIO SPIDERWORT (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Can be aggressive in disturbed situations. Flowers are prolific but only last a day. This photo depicts the flowers late in the day as they are fading.

This is the blue in my red, white and blue garden. 🙂 popular with pollinators.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/tradescantia-ohiensis

said to be edible: http://www.eattheweeds.com/spiderwort-pocahontas-and-gamma-rays/

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Tradescantia

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2992

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NARROWLEAF BLUE-EYED GRASS (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: NARROWLEAF BLUE-EYED GRASS (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

spring blooming Wildflower that is not a grass but in the iris family.  Blooming along side the culvert.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/sisyrinchium-angustifolium

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Sisyrinchium+angustifolium

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=618

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CANADIAN TOADFLAX (Linaria canadensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CANADIAN TOADFLAX (Linaria canadensis)

This tall delicate wildflower which blooms in early spring looks great in a meadow. Attracts pollinators

larval host: Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coernia)

Rabbits will eat it like it is spaghetti.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/linaria-canadensis

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=774

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Linaria-canadensis-%252d-Canada-Toad%C2%A0Flax.html

Breathtaking in a meadow. From March 2010

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MEADOWBEAUTY (Rhexia sp.)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: MEADOWBEAUTY (Rhexia sp.)

There are several different Rhexia species in Florida.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/rhexia-spp

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Rhexia

Where does it grow in Florida?: http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Genus.aspx?id=1045

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CAROLINA WILD PETUNIA (Ruellia caroliniensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CAROLINA WILD PETUNIA (Ruellia caroliniensis)

Self seeding. A favorite of pollinators.  Mine grows in a relatively shady location under some shrubs

Learn: https://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/PD_PFriendly.asp?tx=Ruelcaro

Learn more: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/ruellia-caroliniensis

Larval host: Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) and White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) butterfly

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=812

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CORKYSTEM PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora suberosa)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CORKYSTEM PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora suberosa)

Vine.  This one was quite a surprise.  Apparently it has been growing for quite some time under an huge exotic shrub I purchased at a master gardener sale before I learned about native plants. I assumed the vine was a smilax growing along the branches but when I yanked it out I was pleasantly surprised.  Thank you to whatever bird decided it was a good place to plant. It’s a keeper.

Larval host Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia) and Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charitonius).. Fruits edible by mammals

Learn: https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/passiflora-suberosa

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Passiflora+incarnata

Where does it grow in Florida? http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2080

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AMERICAN BLUEHEARTS (Buchnera americana)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: AMERICAN BLUEHEARTS (Buchnera americana)

Dainty wildflower 1-2 foot tall that can occasionally be white. A Larval host for Common Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)

Learn: https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/PD_PFriendly.asp?tx=Buchamer

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3498

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BLUEJACKET; OHIO SPIDERWORT (Tradescantia ohiensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BLUEJACKET; OHIO SPIDERWORT (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Can be aggressive in disturbed situations. Flowers are prolific but only last a day. This is the blue in my red, white and blue garden. 🙂 popular with pollinators such as the sweat bee in this photo.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/tradescantia-ohiensis

said to be edible: http://www.eattheweeds.com/spiderwort-pocahontas-and-gamma-rays/

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Tradescantia

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2992

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TURKEY TANGLE FOGFRUIT; CAPEWEED (Phyla nodiflora)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: TURKEY TANGLE FOGFRUIT; CAPEWEED (Phyla nodiflora)

Groundcover. Also called fRogfruit in some areas or matchsticks. really brings in pollinators

Larval host: Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon), White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) and Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia).

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/phyla-nodiflora

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Phyla+nodiflora

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3520

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/covering-the-ground-why-fight-mother-nature/

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NUTTALL’S THISTLE (Cirsium nuttallii)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: NUTTALL’S THISTLE (Cirsium nuttallii)

Bienniel. Can get quite tall (4-5 ft. or more) spiny (OUCH) plant that is of great benefit to wildlife, providing for numerous insects.  Aggressively reseeds in disturbed soil such as home landscapes.

Learn: http://coastalplainplants.org/wiki/index.php/Cirsium_nuttallii

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Cirsium

Larval Host: Little Metalmark Butterfly; Ive seen other notations that Cirsium spp. may be a host for the Painted lady Butterfly as well.

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1018

A playground of biodiversity:
My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/the-biodiversity-of-a-single-native-plant/

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PICKERELWEED (Pontederia cordata)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: PICKERELWEED (Pontederia cordata)

Emergent plant for shallow water.

Learn: https://fnps.org/plants/plant/pontederia-cordata

Learn more: http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/plant-identification/alphabetical-index/pickerelweed/

“The seed of pickerelweed is eaten by waterfowl. Geese and muskrats will consume the vegetation, while only fish, and to a lesser extent birds and small mammals, utilize flooded foliage for cover.” (source: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_poco14.pdf)

Also provides nectar/pollen for Butterflies, Bees and other Pollinators

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Pontederia+cordata

Said to be edible: http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Pontederia+cordata

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3688

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HELMET SKULLCAP (Scutellaria integrifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: HELMET SKULLCAP (Scutellaria integrifolia)

Spring bloomer appeared alongside the fence at the culvert. Readily reseeds.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/scutellaria-integrifolia

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Scutellaria

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3494

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Scutellaria-integrifolia-%252d-Helmet-Skullcap.html

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NARROWLEAF BLUE-EYED GRASS (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: NARROWLEAF BLUE-EYED GRASS (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

 

spring blooming Wildflower that is not a grass but in the iris family.  Blooming along side the culvert.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/sisyrinchium-angustifolium

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Sisyrinchium+angustifolium

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=618

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CAROLINA WILD PETUNIA (Ruellia caroliniensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CAROLINA WILD PETUNIA (Ruellia caroliniensis)

Self seeding. A favorite of pollinators.  Mine grows in a relatively shady location under some shrubs

Learn: https://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/PD_PFriendly.asp?tx=Ruelcaro

Learn more: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/ruellia-caroliniensis

Larval host: Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) and White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) butterfly

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=812

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