Bahama ladder brake hybridizes with the non-native and invasive China brake (P. vittata) forming Delchamps' ladder brake (P. x delchampsii). Bahama ladder break is threatened with extinction due to this hybridization. Because of this, we do not recommend planting Bahama ladder break -- if we plant it and there is any China brake around, we exacerbate the problem. When you find this plant in nature, please enjoy it there. Listed as threatened by the state of Florida. Grows in clumps. Unusual in that it thrives in high light, but needs moist soil.

Informal settings where it can be a low hedge plant or specimen. Plant forms small clusters by suckering, so give it room.

Meadow or wildflower garden.

Often planted in restoration and mitigation wetlands. Makes a good plant to border retention ponds. Rain gardens and bioswales.

The scientific name Befaria racemosa was apparently an early transcription error. The genus is named after an 18th century Spanish botanist by the name of Bejar. Documented bees include Agapostemon splendens, Augochlorella aurata, A. gratiosa, Augochloropsis sumptuosa, Anthidiellum perplexum, Anthidium maculifrons, Megachile brevis pseudobrevis, M. mendica, M. petulans, Bombus impatiens and B. pennsylvanicus (Deyrup et al. 2002). Naturalistic settings. Conserve in residual natural settings if possible.

Water gardens and pond edges.  Moist wildflower gardens.

Wildflower garden. Mass plantings.

Is being replaced  by S. lancifolia in Louisiana where there is salt water intrusion into wetlands.  Apparently much less salt tolerant that S. lancifolia. Use in water gardens or as an emergent along pond edges.

Retain if present. Can be used as part of a screen in a dry site setting.

Rarely grown in Florida. In wet places, it can be planted as a specimen plant for winter interest. When it loses its leaves in the fall, just the berries left on the stems create a striking display.

A profuse bloomer. Use for natural landscapes and wildlife habitat areas. Does well under a high pine canopy.

Many of us think of this is a weed that we allow to grow for its value to insects. Casual settings, especially toward the rear of wildflower gardens

Moist wildflower garden, especially acidic gardens oriented toward sphagnum, pitcher plants, and similar bog species.

Its peeling bark and rounded lobes set it apart from most other oaks. Shade tree best suited to settings where its large size can be appreciated. Grown in open settings, it can have a wide spread. Grown in a forested setting it will have a narrower crown.

Although drought-tolerant, this shrub/small tree may benefit from a few deep, thorough soakings during extremely dry periods. When young, it tends to be multi-trunked, so if a tree form is desired, pruning is required. Very briefly deciduous. Although the range extends further north, it is best used in landscaping where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees F. Good for barrier shrub and as wildlife thicket, also nice as specimen.

Not widely grown. Groundcover.

Natural range is restricted to coastal areas. Native borders, foundation plant, especially in salty environments. Can be trimmed.

Background shrub.

For best results, use species naturally found in your area Wildflower garden. Most species bloom best if in light shade or sun, though it does depend on species.

Blooms all year. Recruits readily in the garden from seed. Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also butterfly gardens.

In central Florida, lanceleaf has a relatively short blooming period compared to Leavenworth's tickseed - wrapping things up by mid-summer, whereas C. Leavenworthii is still flowering come Fall. Coreopsis is the state wildflower. Wildflower beds, butterfly gardens or meadows.