This is a sedge. Most Rhynchospora species are wind pollinated. The white bracts of this species attract insects. Wetland garden or informal savanna.

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.

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.

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.

Treasure this tidy fern if you have it in your landscape.

Occurs naturally at the edges of wooded areas and creates a hedge-like appearance.

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).

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.

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.

Endemic.  This plant is listed as endangered by the State of Florida. Harvesting and transporting from the wild require landowner permission and may require a permit from the state. Please acquire through a reputable native plant nursery. Wildflower garden, groundcover. Would also work well as a mass planting. Can be grown in containers.

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.

Threatened in the State of Florida.  Please acquire plants from reputable sources with any needed permits. Specimen plant. Grown for its showy flowers and shiny dark green leaves with white underside. Also works for screen (hedge) and foundation planting.

Retain if in the landscape. Can be used as a specimen plant in areas not subject to root disturbance.

The blue tubular flower opens into 5 petal-like lobes with a white center. Several blossoms grow in a loose cluster. Narrow seed pods and dark yellow fall color make this an attractive garden plant. Wildflower garden. Blooms late spring. Fall foliage color is orange-yellow.

This is a wetland plant. It is rarely grown, but it has potential in appropriate sites. Hedges, screening.

Naturalistic woodland landscapes.

The range of this species barely makes it into north Florida but extends north to southern Canada. Shade tree.

Can be used as a groundcover in semi-shady areas. Perhaps more interesting than showy.

Interesting silky-looking foliage. Tallish groundcover in mesic (moist) areas. Can be planted in groupings in shady areas. Despite the name, the leaves are pretty, almost silky or velvety in appearance.

Closely related plants occur in the Caribbean and Central America. Yellow or orange flowering plants are not the Florida native. In recent years plants have been found growing wild near homesites in north Florida -- what you plant can escape into the wild if planted beyond the natural range. Please plant responsibly - this plant has the potential to be invasive when used outside of its natural range.   Please act responsibly. Specimen or hedge plant. Also works well in informal background thickets.