Florida has a number of Phlox species, almost all found in forested settings. The common roadside species (Phlox drummondii) is not a Florida native (Texas) -- it is a North American native and not believed to be harmful to the ecology of Florida as it spreads almost exclusively in disturbed, sunny areas (old fields, roadsides). Phlox can be either annual or perennial depending on species. Most grow as annuals. We encourage you to use species found naturally in your area.  Some phlox are annuals; some are perennial. Wildflower garden, typically q shade garden.

While it is related to chestnuts, its not generally subject to chestnut blight, and if it gets it, will likely recover. Natural settings as a small shade tree or large shrub.

Flowers are dark maroon, not showy. Small specimen tree. Also works well as a component of floodplain forests.

Fragrant flowers and crushed foliage smells like limes. Dioecious: male and female flowers are on separate plants. Hedge, buffer or screen plant where its thorns will be an asset. Foliage is aromatic.  This author has one growing as a specimen plant and loves its shape and the shiny green rather lacey foliage.

Invasive in many parts of the world.  It is either a blessing or a pest in Florida depending on where it is. Good addition to a freedom lawn.

The natural range of this plant is quite limited, but it has become a native landscaping favorite over a much broader range. Hedges, specimen shrubs, screens, foundation plantings.

Can be pruned. Works well as a specimen plant. Its thick, large leaves make it stand out from most other plants in the landscape. Very useful in settings subject to salt spray.

Lacy specimen plant in wet settings. Useful in fern gardens or beside a shady water feature. Useful around drainage ponds.

Wildflower garden.

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges. Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

Plant in moist to wet areas where it can be grown in large clumps.

Blooms open late in the day and remain open through the night. Fragrant. Can be agrown as an anuual north of its native range.  Considered to be invasive in subtropical and tropical areas outside of its natural range. Recommended only for use where it can be controlled such as on a trellis or in areas where expansive growth is appropriate. Rain gardens or bioswales.

There is potential name confusion with this species since it was formerly considered to be a subspecies of O. hirtellus (Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. setarius) The Florida Plant Atlas indicates that Oplismenus setarius is common in Florida. O. hirtellus (not the subspecies) has been documented from only one Florida county, and it is a non-native. This is a low groundcover that can be effective seasonally as a low-use turf in shady locations.

While this tree has a limited native distribution in Florida, it also occurs as far west as Texas in similar types of settings. Shade tree. Can be used as a street tree. Yellow fall color.

In some parts of the world, this is an invasive species. In Florida, it is well behaved. Grow on a trellis or let climb a tree. Can also be used as a groundcover. Flowers are small but attractive. Blooms all year. Grown primarily as a larval host plant.

Shade tree. It is known for its smooth light gray bark. Its leaves turn yellow and then light brown remaining on the tree until nearly spring and providing interest to the winter landscape. If you are privileged to have this tree in the landscape, retain and protect it.

Salt water is not required. This species is cold sensitive near the northern ends of its range and may die back during extreme freezes. Mangroves are protected and you may not trim or remove them. See this Florida DEP web page for the latest information: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/SLERP/Mangroves/mangroves.htm Very good for coastal stabilization. Can act as a specimen plant in coastal areas. This tree is noted for its prop roots.

It's paint-chip white and brown-green bark provides winter interest. The natural range is from  north Florida into southern Canada.  This species has been planted well south of its range and is occasionally collected from places (such as the median of I-75, near old homesites,  and near mine reclaimation areas) where it likely got there due to man's activities.  It has also been widely planted in mined areas. Frequently used as a yard tree or as a shade tree in parks. Best used where its large size won't overwhelm the surroundings.

Two varieties exist, both occur in this area. Wildflower garden.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

USF Plant Atlas location in Hillsborough appears to have been from seed in imported soil - the one in St. Lucie County has been removed from the FLAS database (likely it was an error). The Institute for Regional Conservation reports the species to be extirpated in Florida  though it is occasionally cultivated, potentially from imported plants.  Images provided here are from a specimen cultivated by Roger Hammer. Use as a specimen plant.