Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant MUSCADINE {GRAPE} (Vitis rotundifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™
Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant MUSCADINE {GRAPE} (Vitis rotundifolia)

Looks like it is time to kick my shoes off and jump into the vat.

Quick growing deciduous vine that will cover a fence (and anything else in its path). It is very aggressive, but provides for wildlife in the form of food and EXCELLENT cover, so worth the effort to keep it in check. Can be used to make wreaths. Dioecious so you’ll need both male and female plants to produce fruit.

Berries contain several seeds so while tasty, they do require some effort (see how far you can spit the seeds). Better for use in jelly or wine.

Bloom photo: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2014/05/11/muscadine-grape-vitis-rotundifolia-2/

Learn: http://www.fgga.org/growing-muscadine-grapes-in-florida/

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2026

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2019/03/02/the-good-in-grapevines/

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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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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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SAW PALMETTO (Serenoa repens)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SAW PALMETTO (Serenoa repens)

Shrub.

Excellent nectar/pollen for pollinators; Outstanding cover for wildlife, fruits enjoyed by birds and mammals.

most popular herbal treatment for enlargement of the prostate: http://web.archive.org/web/20130308082251/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/saw-palmetto/NS_patient-sawpalmetto

Mayo Clinic has since updated information: “Studies on herbal therapies as a treatment for enlarged prostate have had mixed results. One study found that saw palmetto extract was as effective as finasteride in relieving symptoms of BPH, although prostate volumes weren’t reduced. But a subsequent placebo-controlled trial found no evidence that saw palmetto is better than a placebo.”

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2664

Larval Host: Palmetto Skipper (Euphyes arpa); Monk (Asbolis capucinus)

Learn: http://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Sererepe

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

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CHICKASAW PLUM (Prunus angustifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CHICKASAW PLUM (Prunus angustifolia)

 

tree/shrub. Flowers, which generally appear before leaves are great for pollinators; fruits feed birds/mammals. This is one I added to my landscape.

Took quite a beating from Hurricane Irma in 2017, which included getting uprooted from the ground. Seems it is still holding its own.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/prunus-angustifolia

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3855

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DAHOON (Holly) Ilex cassine

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: DAHOON (Holly) Ilex cassine

Beautiful, versatile, dioecious tree. Be sure to have a nearby male in order for the female to produce the stunning red berries. Makes a great specimen.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/ilex-cassine

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

Attracts Pollinators. multiple bird species feast on the berries throughout winter and into spring.

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3866

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AMERICAN ELDER; ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: AMERICAN ELDER; ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)

“At least 50 species of songbirds, upland game birds, and small mammals relish the fruit of American elder during summer and early fall. White-tailed deer browse the twigs, foliage and fruit during the summer. American elder is outstanding as nesting cover for small birds. During summer, the partial shade under American elder promotes a dense ground cover of grasses and forbs that offers good loafing or feeding areas for broods of young pheasants and quail.

American elder can be used for erosion control on moist sites. It pioneers on some strip-mine spoils and may occasionally be useful for reclamation planting.

…Elderberries are also attractive to makers of pies, jellies and wine”

caution: new growth may be toxic to livestock.

source: USDA Fact Sheet:
http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_sanic4.pdf

“Sambucol might therefore be beneficial to the immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in healthy individuals or in patients with various diseases. Sambucol could also have an immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when administered to cancer or AIDS patients, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or other treatments.” source: Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I., The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12(2):290-6.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/sambucus-nigra-subsp-canadensis

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2186

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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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NORTHERN NEEDLELEAF (Tillandsia sp. likely balbisiana)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: NORTHERN NEEDLELEAF (Tillandsia sp. likely balbisiana)

Threatened-State

Hanging out in my live oak.  I only started finding this type of airplant in 2018.  Prior to that I had 3 species and I suspect that this blew in with hurricane Matthew or Irma.  Now all four are residents of the live oak.

This is one of Florida’s native Bromeliads. Commonly called airplants because they are epiphytic (they live on other plants but do not take any food from them so they are not parasitic).

Learn: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/frank/savebromeliads/floridas-bromeliads/Tillandsia-balbisiana.html

Learn more: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw205

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/when-plants-hang-out/

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

Where does it grow in Florida?: https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=733

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SAWTOOTH BLACKBERRY; PENNSYLVANIA BLACKBERRY (Rubus sp. likely pensilvanicus)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SAWTOOTH BLACKBERRY; PENNSYLVANIA BLACKBERRY (Rubus sp. likely pensilvanicus)

CAREFUL! Thorns! Pollinators and other Insects are drawn to the flowers, juicy berries are a favorite among birds, reptiles, insects and mammals, including me. Rabbits browse leaves as do some insects. Excellent cover.

Learn: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/plants/Blackberry/index.html

Learn more: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag238

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2256

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Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant RABBITBELLS (Crotalaria rotundifolia)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?:
Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant RABBITBELLS (Crotalaria rotundifolia)

This is the seedpod (fruit) of this Florida native.

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

Photo of flower: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2019/12/12/rabbitbells-crotalaria-rotundifolia-5/

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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OAKLEAF FLEABANE (Erigeron quercifolius)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: OAKLEAF FLEABANE (Erigeron quercifolius)

Good for pollinators as illustrated by the visiting small carpenter bee

Ethnobotany: “It is said that if you burn the foliage, that it chases away fleas and other pests.”

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/erigeron-quercifolius

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

Where does it grow in Florida: http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1019

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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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Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant MUSCADINE {GRAPE} (Vitis rotundifolia)

Friday Focus on Fruit: Florida Native Plant MUSCADINE {GRAPE} (Vitis rotundifolia)

Quick growing deciduous vine that will cover a fence (and anything else in its path). It is very aggressive, but provides for wildlife in the form of food and EXCELLENT cover, so worth the effort to keep it in check. Can be used to make wreaths. Dioecious so you’ll need both male and female plants to produce fruit.

Berries contain several seeds so while tasty, they do require some effort (see how far you can spit the seeds). Better for use in jelly or wine.

Bloom photo: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2014/05/11/muscadine-grape-vitis-rotundifolia-2/

Learn: http://www.fgga.org/growing-muscadine-grapes-in-florida/

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2026

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2019/03/02/the-good-in-grapevines/

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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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AMERICAN ELDER; ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: AMERICAN ELDER; ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)

“At least 50 species of songbirds, upland game birds, and small mammals relish the fruit of American elder during summer and early fall. White-tailed deer browse the twigs, foliage and fruit during the summer. American elder is outstanding as nesting cover for small birds. During summer, the partial shade under American elder promotes a dense ground cover of grasses and forbs that offers good loafing or feeding areas for broods of young pheasants and quail.

American elder can be used for erosion control on moist sites. It pioneers on some strip-mine spoils and may occasionally be useful for reclamation planting.

…Elderberries are also attractive to makers of pies, jellies and wine”

caution: new growth may be toxic to livestock.

source: USDA Fact Sheet:
http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_sanic4.pdf

“Sambucol might therefore be beneficial to the immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in healthy individuals or in patients with various diseases. Sambucol could also have an immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when administered to cancer or AIDS patients, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or other treatments.” source: Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I., The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12(2):290-6.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/sambucus-nigra-subsp-canadensis

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2186

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DOCTORBUSH (Plumbago zeylanica)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY™?: DOCTORBUSH (Plumbago zeylanica)

a.k.a. Wild Leadwort

Low growing, vine-like which if grouped can be used as a groundcover for shade. Extremely sticky seeds

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/plumbago-zeylanica

Larval host: Cassius Blue Butterfly (Leptotes cassius)

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2781

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/11/12/a-day-for-veterans/

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GROUNDSEL TREE; SEA MYRTLE (Baccharis halimifolia) female

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: GROUNDSEL TREE; SEA MYRTLE (Baccharis halimifolia) female

This plant is dioecious and the photo depicts the female of the species. Also called Saltbush or Silverling.

Works as a specimen tree or can be pruned to create a hedge. Somewhat aggressive.

Larval host for Grounsel Beetle. Leaves can be used to make a dye.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/baccharis-halimifolia

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2019/10/16/sex-in-the-wildlife-garden-baccharis-halimifolia/

Take two: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/if-this-is-a-trash-tree-ill-take-a-landfill/

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3484

Male: https://whatfloridanativeplantisbloomingtoday.wordpress.com/2019/10/16/groundsel-tree-sea-myrtle-baccharis-halimifolia-3/

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