Archive

Tag Archives: Florida Native Plant

ROSE-RUSH (Lygodesmia aphylla)

January 26, 2015
Pink Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: ROSE-RUSH (Lygodesmia aphylla)

TALL, dainty wildflower that will pop up in heavy vegetation. At my place I find it reaching up from between ferns, blackberry, galberry, lyonia spp. Be sure to look for this one earlier in the day as it may wilt by afternoon.

Attracts: native bees; butterflies and other pollinators

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/lygodesmia-aphylla

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=681

###

CORAL HONEYSUCKLE; TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens)

January 21, 2015
Red Blooms, Vines, Yellow Blooms
Leave a comment

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/

###

AMERICAN BLUEHEARTS (Buchnera americana)

January 18, 2015
Blue Blooms, Purple Blooms, White Blooms
Leave a comment

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

###

SHINY BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrsinites)

January 16, 2015
Pink Blooms, White Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SHINY BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrsinites)

aka ground blueberry. Low growing shrub which produces small juicy fruits eaten by mammals and a variety of birds including songbirds, quail, pheasant and wild turkey. Also provides good cover for small birds/mammals. source: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/vacmys/all.html

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

Learn more: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/vaccinium-myrsinites

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=653

###

YELLOW JESSAMINE; CAROLINA JESSAMINE; EVENING TRUMPETFLOWER (Gelsemium sempervirens)

January 12, 2015
Vines, Yellow Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: YELLOW JESSAMINE; CAROLINA JESSAMINE; EVENING TRUMPETFLOWER (Gelsemium sempervirens)

NOTE: All parts TOXIC!

twining evergreen vine.

Learn: http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/gelsemium-sempervirens/

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=874

Herbal info: http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/ellingwood/gelsemium.html

Per: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-455-GELSEMIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=455&activeIngredientName=GELSEMIUM

“Despite serious safety concerns, the root and underground stem (rhizome) of gelsemium are used to make medicine. Gelsemium
is used as a painkiller for migraineheadaches and for face pain (trigeminal neuralgia) caused by certain facial nerves. It is
also used for asthma and other breathing problems.”
“Gelsemium is UNSAFE. All parts of the plant are very poisonous. Even small amounts can cause serious toxicity, including death. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, vision problems, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, muscle problems, seizures, breathing problems, slowing of the heart, and others.”
source:

###

AMERICAN ELDER; ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)

January 8, 2015
White Blooms
6 Comments

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

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

###

FLORIDA TICKSEED (Coreopsis floridana)

January 7, 2015
Yellow Blooms
Leave a comment

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

tickseedDec2014

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

This species is Endemic to Florida.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/coreopsis-floridana

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1137

###

EARLY WHITETOP FLEABANE (Erigeron vernus)

January 6, 2015
White Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: EARLY WHITETOP FLEABANE (Erigeron vernus)

Delicate daisy type white flowers, attractive to pollinators. Self seeds.

“Supports Conservation Biological Control (A plant that attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.)”

Learn: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERVE

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=3517

###

FOURLEAF VETCH (Vicia acutifolia)

January 4, 2015
Pink Blooms, White Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: FOURLEAF VETCH (Vicia acutifolia)

Photo depicts buds. Sometimes called sand vetch.

This delicate vine in the pea family has a sticky feel to it and can be aggressive. It doesnt stand up to heat so it disappears once summer rolls around. Good cool weather and early spring bloomer for pollinators.

Learn: http://regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPage.asp?TXCODE=Viciacut

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2647

###

INKBERRY; GALLBERRY (Ilex glabra)

January 3, 2015
White Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: INKBERRY; GALLBERRY (Ilex glabra)

Medium size shrub in the holly family. Can be used as a screen but may have to do some pruning to make it bushy. Crushed berries can be used as ink.

dioecious; pollinated by insects; fruits feed birds including turkey and quail; small mammals, raccoons; in addition to fruit black bear and deer browse leaves and twigs. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/ilegla/all.html

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

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3793

###

COMMON YELLOW WOODSORREL; CREEPING WOODSORREL (Oxalis corniculata)

December 23, 2014
Yellow Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: COMMON YELLOW WOODSORREL; CREEPING WOODSORREL (Oxalis corniculata)

While there are many oxalis species which grow in Florida, the two that are yellow are the natives, while the pink and purple are non-native.

Low growing. Attracts pollinators, seeds feed ground feeding birds. Said to be edible in small quantities.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/oxalis-corniculata

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2759

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/native-shamrocks/

###

WOODLAND FALSE BUTTONWEED (Spermacoce remota)

December 22, 2014
Pink Blooms, White Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: WOODLAND FALSE BUTTONWEED (Spermacoce remota)

Low growing member of the Madder family. Good for pollinators; seeds feed ground feeding birds.

Learn: https://web.archive.org/web/20160310140415/https://regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPage.asp?TXCODE=Sperpros

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3078

###

QUEEN-DEVIL; HAWKWEED (Hieracium gronovii)

December 17, 2014
Yellow Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?™: QUEEN-DEVIL (Hieracium gronovii)

Tall, lanky wildflower with fuzzy basal leaves

Nectar source, seeds eaten by turkey. Deer and rabbit forage

perfect for pollinators.

Learn: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/gronov_hawkweedx.htm

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3455

###

BLUE MISTFLOWER (Conoclinium coelestinum)

December 15, 2014
Blue Blooms, Purple Blooms
6 Comments

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BLUE MISTFLOWER (Conoclinium coelestinum)

not to be confused with nonnative annual ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides) sold as a bedding plant for flower gardens.

Can be aggressive as it self seeds, but provides nectar for bees and butterflies, especially late in the season when not a lot of other things are blooming. Seeds are favored by birds.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/conoclinium-coelestinum

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=935

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Conoclinium-coelestinum-%252d-Blue-Mistflower.html

###

MANYFLOWER MARSHPENNYWORT (Hydrocotyle umbellata)

December 11, 2014
White Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: MANYFLOWER MARSHPENNYWORT (Hydrocotyle umbellata)

Groundcover for moist to wet locations. Can be aggressive, but a good lawn alternative since it can be mowed and holds up to pet paws.

Great cover for reptiles and perfect for pollinators.

Considered a pest in formals lawns when it can take hold due to OVERWATERING.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/hydrocotyle-umbellata

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3906

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

###

SILVERLING (Baccharis glomeruliflora)

December 10, 2014
Green Blooms, White Blooms, Yellow Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SILVERLING (Baccharis glomeruliflora)

dioecious, photo depicts female specimen.

Male specimens may cause allergies to those affected by pollen. (source: http://www.pollenlibrary.com/Specie/Baccharis+glomeruliflora/)

sometimes called: saltbush.

Works as a specimen shrub or can be pruned to create a hedge. Somewhat aggressive. Blooms in late fall, early winter, so important nectar source for pollinators when not a lot else is blooming. Great wildlife cover plant. Infusion of leaves can be used as a dye.

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

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1033
###

COASTALPLAIN STAGGERBUSH (Lyonia fruticosa)

December 9, 2014
Pink Blooms, White Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: COASTALPLAIN STAGGERBUSH (Lyonia fruticosa)

Beautiful shrub with bell shaped flowers. A member of the heath family. Important nectar source.

sometimes referred to as Rusty Lyonia.
The pubescence has indicated functions (note: L. ferruginea is a close relative of L. fruticosa):

According to Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona:

An example of a plant that uses hairs to trap moisture rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea). These hairs give the new foliage a rusty color, hence the name. source:  Volusia County ECHO tourism https://web.archive.org/web/20101021061100/http://lyoniapreserve.com/lyonia8.htm

According to UF IFAS reportedly works to protect new growth from harmful insects source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp357

Larval Host: Prominent Moth (Datana spp.) the larvae of which can completely defoliate, which would seem to discount the IFAS theory of insect protection. I have many of these shrubs and it seems that the caterpillars only affect one or two at a time. I handpick some caterpillars and feed them to the fish. The shrubs were no worse for wear in following years. My experience would seem to discount the IFAS theory of insect protection.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/lyonia-fruticosa

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=679

My take: http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/the-garden-bells-are-ringing/

###

ST. ANDREW’S-CROSS (Hypericum hypericoides)

December 8, 2014
Yellow Blooms
Leave a comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: 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/

###