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Tag Archives: Florida wildflower

RABBITBELLS (Crotalaria rotundifolia)

December 6, 2014
Yellow Blooms
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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: http://regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.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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FETTERBUSH (Lyonia lucida)

December 4, 2014
Pink Blooms, Red Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: FETTERBUSH (Lyonia lucida)

A favorite thing about December in Florida is that this is when the fetterbush starts to break out into bud in my garden.
Good for some pollinators; evergreen shrub

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

Learn more: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/lyoluc/all.html

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3646

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

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ZIGZAG BLADDERWORT (Utricularia subulata)

December 3, 2014
Yellow Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: ZIGZAG BLADDERWORT (Utricularia subulata)

EXTREMELY tiny, easily overlooked terrestrial, carnivorous plant. This one was in a pathway which recently was under some water.

Second view:

Bottom

Bottom

If conditions are not ideal, this species will not produce its little yellow flowers. Instead it produces tiny spherical flowers that have no petals! These globular little things are called cleistogamous flowers (meaning they are closed, hidden, without petals). Sealed from pollinators, they self pollinate and subsequently open and spill forth precious seed source: http://www.sarracenia.com/faq/faq5658.html

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3506

My take: http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/like-bladderworts-that-depends.html

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SENSITIVE BRIER (Mimosa quadrivalvis var. angustata)

November 25, 2014
Pink Blooms, Vines
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SENSITIVE BRIER (Mimosa quadrivalvis var. angustata)

Bud depicted. The leaves fold up to touch, giving this plant part of its common name.

The pink puffball flowers are pretty to look at, but beware of the hidden prickles on the stems of this low growing vine which easily grabs the skin of your ankles.

Seeds eaten by quail, songbirds, and gopher tortoises; foliage is eaten by gopher tortoises and wild turkeys. Also provides cover. (source: http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinars/the-basics-of-longleaf-understory-establishment-enhancement/at_multi_download/relatedFiles?name=presentation.pdf)

There are two varieties (angustata and floridana) which can be differentiated by the venation of the leaves.

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3370

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ASTER (Symphyotrichum spp.)

November 23, 2014
White Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: ASTER (Symphyotrichum spp.)

possibly S. simmondsii

Larval Host: Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)

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

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

http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Symphyotrichum-elliottii-%28Aster-elliottii%29-%252d-Elliott%E2%80%99s-Aster.html

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GLADE LOBELIA (Lobelia glandulosa)

November 9, 2014
Blue Blooms, Purple Blooms
1 Comment

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: GLADE LOBELIA (Lobelia glandulosa)

Moist locations. about two foot tall, growing alongside my culvert.

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

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3164

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SLENDER FLATTOP GOLDENROD (Euthamia caroliniana)

November 5, 2014
Yellow Blooms
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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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BAHAMAN ASTER (Symphyotrichum bahamense)

November 3, 2014
White Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BAHAMAN ASTER (Symphyotrichum bahamense)

Annual,Biennial; Tall (5 foot), spindly, delicate. Tiny flowers born on the ends of long thin branches,

Learn: http://www.phytoneuron.net/2013Phytoneuron/14PhytoN-LaMissRecords.pdf

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=4231

specimen: http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/img/specimens/USF/134433.jpg

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HAIRY CHAFFHEAD (Carphephorus paniculatus)

October 20, 2014
Pink Blooms, Purple Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: HAIRY CHAFFHEAD (Carphephorus paniculatus)

Also known as DEERTONGUE.

Bud depicted. Eye-catching, tall (3ft). Attractive to butterflies and and other pollinators.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/carphephorus-paniculatus
http://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Carppani

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3093

Bloom from Nov 2010

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BUSHY BLUESTEM (Andropogon sp. likely glomeratus) GRASS

October 9, 2014
Grass, Green Blooms, Yellow Blooms
3 Comments

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY™?: BUSHY BLUESTEM (Andropogon sp. likely glomeratus)

Very tall, showy native bunch grass. Leave in place to dry over the winter as food for flocks of birds. The warblers will latch on and sway as they dine. Provides cover for wildlife.

Several varieties of this species are native to Florida. This one is most likely A. glomeratus var. pumilus

I cut some to use as a free alternative to cornstalks as Halloween decorations,

Larval Host: Possible larval host plant for Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan), Georgia satyr (Neonympha areolata), neamathla skipper (Nastra neamathla), swarthy skipper (Nastra lherminier) and twin-spot skipper (Oligoria maculata) butterflies (source: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/andropogon-glomeratus)

Learn: http://floridagrasses.org/Grass_data/An_glomeratus.html

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3364

My take: http://web.archive.org/web/20130902073424/http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/arranging-native-plants/

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Andrapogon-glomeratus-%252d-Bushy-Bluestem.html

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CHALKY BLUESTEM (Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus)

October 8, 2014
Grass, Green Blooms, Yellow Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CHALKY BLUESTEM (Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus)

Native bunch grass. Interesting to watch the birds sway on the tall stems while dining on the seeds in late autumn and winter.

Seeds feed: song birds

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

Larval host: Possible for Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan), Georgia satyr (Neonympha areolata), neamathla skipper (Nastra neamathla), swarthy skipper (Nastra lherminier) and twin-spot skipper (Oligoria maculata) butterflies.

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2414

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SHYLEAF (Aeschynomene americana)

October 6, 2014
Orange Blooms, Pink Blooms
5 Comments

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: SHYLEAF (Aeschynomene americana)

a.k.a. Jointvetch

Aggressive but delicate member of the pea family. Can reach heights of 4 ft. “annual grazing crop
that can be cut for hay before maturity.”

Prolific seeds feed: quail, dove and turkey; attracts pollinators, grazed by deer.

Learn: http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_aeam.pdf

Larval host: Barred Yellow Butterfly (Eurema daira);’ Pale-edged Selenisa Moth (Selenisa sueroides)

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2805

My take: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2019/10/04/in-a-wildlife-garden-it-isnt-shy-at-all/

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BULLTONGUE ARROWHEAD (Sagittaria lancifolia)

October 1, 2014
White Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BULLTONGUE ARROWHEAD (Sagittaria lancifolia)

Also called Duck Potato or Lance-leaved arrowhead. Emergent plant, perfect for water garden/pond.

“It was used traditionally by the Seminoles for treating shock following alligator bites” (source: http://web.fscj.edu/David.Byres/duckpot/duckpot2.htm)

Birds/Mammals eat the fruit, attracts pollinators.

Learn: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/388

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2817

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TIEVINE (Ipomoea cordatotriloba)

September 30, 2014
Pink Blooms, Purple Blooms, Vines
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: TIEVINE (Ipomoea cordatotriloba)

One of the native morning glory vines; delicate vine with easily overlooked small pink-purple flowers.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/ipomoea-cordatotriloba

Larval host: Yellow-banded Wasp Moth (Syntomeida ipomoeae)

WARNING: per Deidre Miller: This plant will cause a horse to fail a drug screen at competition

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=836

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WHITETOP ASTER; DIXIE ASTER (Sericocarpus tortifolius)

September 29, 2014
White Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: WHITETOP ASTER; DIXIE ASTER (Sericocarpus tortifolius)

Bud stage shown. It stays in bud stage for what seems like forever, but be patient. These late blooming flowers are enjoyed by butterflies and bees. Mine grows under the pine trees, so partial shade works.

Learn: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/whitetop-aster-sericocarpus-tortifolius.html

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3207
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TALL YELLOWEYED GRASS (Xyris platylepis)

September 25, 2014
White Blooms, Yellow Blooms
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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).

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://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=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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LEMON BACOPA; BLUE WATERHYSSOP (Bacopa caroliniana)

September 24, 2014
Blue Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: LEMON BACOPA; BLUE WATERHYSSOP (Bacopa caroliniana)

Groundcover that likes it WET! New arrival in the culvert. crushed leaves smell lemony.

Learn: http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/bacopa-caroliniana

Larval host: White Peacock Butterfly (Anartia jatrophae)

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3118

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STIFF SUNFLOWER (Helianthus radula)

September 23, 2014
Purple Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: STIFF SUNFLOWER (Helianthus radula)

a.ka. Rayless Sunflower

very unique looking without showy petals. Tall, gangly. close look reveals beautiful textures in the buds. Likes it moist. Great for pollinators.

Learn: http://fnps.org/plants/plant/helianthus-radula

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2689

Seeds available: http://www.floridawildflowers.com/products/Helianthus-radula-%252d-Rayless%C2%A0Sunflower.html

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CATESBY’S LILY; PINE LILY (Lilium catesbaei)

September 22, 2014
Red Blooms
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WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: CATESBY’S LILY; PINE LILY (Lilium catesbaei)

Threatened-State (FL). Beautiful but difficult to grow.

Learn: http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2011/08/catesbys-pine-lily-lilium-catesbaei.html

MORE photos: by Pine Lily Chapter President Jenny Welch https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.138554952506.113297.75535997506&type=3

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

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3148

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BLUE MISTFLOWER (Conoclinium coelestinum)

September 21, 2014
Blue Blooms, Purple Blooms
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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, 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

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