WILD LIME; LIME PRICKLYASH (Zanthoxylum fagara)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: WILD LIME; LIME PRICKLYASH (Zanthoxylum fagara)

Pretty aromatic tree. Watch the thorns! Provides cover for fauna, fruits eaten by wildlife.

Larval host: Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) and Schaus’ Swallowtail (Heraclides aristodemus) (in range)

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/zanthoxylum-fagara

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2804

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SOUTHERN BAYBERRY; WAX MYRTLE (Morella cerifera)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SOUTHERN BAYBERRY; WAX MYRTLE (Morella cerifera)

syn. Myrica cerifera

This shrub is a Dioecious plant, meaning that male and female reproductive structures are found on different plants, so you need at least two (one of each type) to have fruit production. This is one of the more beneficial plants to wildlife. The berries feed numerous species including bobwhites and wild turkey. It is a host plant for countless moth caterpillars. Cover and nesting site for many species as well.

Learn: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/morcer/all.html

Learn more: https://web.archive.org/web/20170630100034/http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/wax_myrtle.pdf

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3942

Many Ethnobotanical uses including as a dye and insect repellent.

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

My Take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/wildly-wonderous-wax-myrtle/

Take II: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2018/02/09/its-a-girl-why-sex-matters-in-a-wildlife-garden/

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ROUNDPOD ST. JOHN’S-WORT (Hypericum cistifolium)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: ROUNDPOD ST. JOHN’S-WORT (Hypericum cistifolium)

This species of Hypericum I actually think is prettiest when the flowers fade. The seed pods are a beautiful rusty-red color that in contrast with the green leaves gives a showy display. Frequented by pollinators. This is one of the many native St. John’s-wort that call Florida home.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/hypericum-cistifolium

Note that the species used in the commercially available supplements is not native.

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1028

My take: http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/depressed-try-st-johns-wort-in-your-garden/

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SWAMP BAY (Persea palustris)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?:  SWAMP BAY (Persea palustris)

Aromatic leaves.  Larval host: Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio palamedes), Spicebush Swallowtail (P. troilus) and Schaus Swallowtail (P. aristodemus) also host to Redbay Psyllid (Trioza magnoliae).

Prone to Laurel Wilt Disease which is causing dieoff of this beautiful species.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/persea-palustris

Where does it grow in Florida?:  http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2064

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

My take:  https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/will-the-palamedes-swallowtail-butterfly-survive/

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FOURPETAL ST.JOHN’S-WORT (Hypericum tetrapetalum)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: FOURPETAL ST.JOHN’S-WORT (Hypericum tetrapetalum)

One of the many Hypericum that are native to Florida. The one commonly used in over-the-counter supplements is an exotic species.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/hypericum-tetrapetalum

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=654

My take: Depressed? Try St. Johns Wort in Your Garden

Depressed? Try St. Johns Wort in Your Garden

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BLACKEYED SUSAN (Rudbeckia hirta)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BLACKEYED SUSAN (Rudbeckia hirta)

Blooms all year in warm areas. Freely self seeds. Bright flowers that are usually 2 ft. but can reach 3 ft in certain conditions.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/rudbeckia-hirta

Loved by pollinators and spiders. Birds enjoy the seeds.

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2286

My take: http://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/five-minutes-with-susan-in-the-garden/

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Rudbeckia-hirta-%252d-Blackeyed%C2%A0Susan.html

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CORAL HONEYSUCKLE; TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: CORAL HONEYSUCKLE; TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens)

Well behaved twining vine that will climb a fence, arbor or cover the ground if there is nothing to climb. Better blooms when there is support. Will retain leaves except in colder temperatures.

Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies; fruits attract birds, great cover for rabbits/reptiles

larval host: Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon); Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia) and Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) (in range)

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/lonicera-sempervirens

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3861

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/leap-year-in-the-garden/

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RABBITBELLS (Crotalaria rotundifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: RABBITBELLS (Crotalaria rotundifolia)

Also known as rattlebox. Low growing member of the pea family; may be toxic to cattle.

Larval Host: Bella Moth (Utetheisa ornatrix); ceraunus blue butterfly (Hemiargus ceraunus)

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

Fact sheet explaining Native vs. Non-native of this genus: http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/floridainvasives/CrotalariaSpecies-rattlebox.pdf

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3328

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/we-dont-all-eat-leaves-you-know/

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SLENDER FLATTOP GOLDENROD (Euthamia caroliniana)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY™?: SLENDER FLATTOP GOLDENROD (Euthamia caroliniana)

Moist locations. Loved by pollinators, especially native bees and wasps.

Learn: https://web.archive.org/web/20180212123245/https://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Euthcaro

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3268

My take:  https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/goldenrod-beyond-solidago/

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TICKSEED (Coreopsis sp.)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: TICKSEED (Coreopsis sp.)

Tickseed has been named the State Wildflower of Florida. You can learn about the various species at: http://flawildflowers.org/resources/pdfs/pdf11/AboutCoreopsis.pdf

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Genus.aspx?id=356

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PRIMROSEWILLOW (Ludwigia sp.)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?:  PRIMROSEWILLOW (Ludwigia sp.)

This may be a new species at my place and I haven’t been able to key it out yet.

Learn: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ludwigia-species/

Most Ludwigia sp. are larval hosts for Banded Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha fasciatus)

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Genus.aspx?id=726

My take:  https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/the-many-faces-of-primrosewillow/

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HUMPED BLADDERWORT (Utricularia gibba)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: HUMPED BLADDERWORT (Utricularia gibba)

carnivorous wetland plant. These grow on the tussuck (island) in my pond and occasionally in the littoral zone.

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3522

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TALL YELLOWEYED GRASS (Xyris platylepis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: TALL YELLOWEYED GRASS (Xyris platylepis)

Despite the flower color it is still called yelloweyed grass. This is one of two species in this genus that can have white or yellow flowers (the other is X. caroliniana).  The wider leaves helped me identify the species.

Despite the common name, it is not a grass.

There are 24 Xyris species are listed as native to FL (ISB).

Learn: FNPS Palmetto article http://www.fnps.org/assets/pdf/palmetto/v18i2p14lee.pdf

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2389

Seeds for a similar species are available from Florida Wildflowers Growers Coop:

http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Xyris-difformis-%252d-Bog-Yelloweyed%C2%A0Grass.html

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NARROWLEAF SILKGRASS (Pityopsis graminifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: NARROWLEAF SILKGRASS (Pityopsis graminifolia)

Bright yellow fall bloomer perfect for pollinators.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/pityopsis-graminifolia

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=524

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ST. ANDREW’S-CROSS (Hypericum hypericoides)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: ST. ANDREW’S-CROSS (Hypericum hypericoides)

ST. ANDREW’S-CROSS (Hypericum hypericoides)

Delicate member of the St. John’s Wort genus. Low growing shrub.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/hypericum-hypericoides

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2821

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/10/depressed-try-st-johns-wort-in-your-garden/

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PINELAND RAYLESS GOLDENROD (Bigelowia nudata subsp. australis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY™?: PINELAND RAYLESS GOLDENROD (Bigelowia nudata subsp. australis)

Just coming into bloom.

This subsp. is endemic to Florida. Moist locations.

Learn: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2013/10/coastalplain-rayless-goldenrod.html

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1207

My take:  https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/goldenrod-beyond-solidago/

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NARROWLEAF SUNFLOWER; SWAMP SUNFLOWER (Helianthus angustifolius)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: NARROWLEAF SUNFLOWER; SWAMP SUNFLOWER (Helianthus angustifolius)

Seeds available at the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Helianthus-angustifolius-%252d-Swamp-Sunflower%2C-Narrowleaf-Sunflower.html

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/helianthus-angustifolius

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3497

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PINEBARREN GOLDENROD (Solidago fistulosa)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: PINEBARREN GOLDENROD (Solidago fistulosa)

Tall, spreads by suckers or propagate by seed, great backdrop, but not for the small landscape.

Bees and other pollinators such as the Spotless Lady Beetle (Cycloneda sanguinea) shown, spiders and treefrogs are always found enjoying this beauty.

Learn: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2010/10/pinebarren-goldenrod-solidago-fistulosa.html

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

Seeds of tamer species in this genus available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/search.php?mode=1&search_query_adv=solidago&brand=&price_from=0&price_to=6.00&featured=&shipping

Where does it grow in Florida? http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1023

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CORAL HONEYSUCKLE; TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: CORAL HONEYSUCKLE; TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens)

Well behaved twining vine that will climb a fence, arbor or cover the ground if there is nothing to climb. Better blooms when there is support. Will retain leaves except in colder temperatures.

Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies; fruits attract birds, great cover for rabbits/reptiles

larval host: Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon); Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia) and Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) (in range)

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/lonicera-sempervirens

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3861

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/leap-year-in-the-garden/

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Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant QUEENSDELIGHT (Stillingia sylvatica)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?:
Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant QUEENSDELIGHT (Stillingia sylvatica)

low growing shrub-like herb

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

an ingredient in the Hoxsey herbal tonic used as a cancer treatment: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/stillingia

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3664

Photos of flowers: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/queensdelight-stillingia-sylvatica-2/

QUEENSDELIGHT (Stillingia sylvatica)

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