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

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.

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.

In a wildflower garden or meadow, because it's noticeable only when flowering.

Dry meadows. Wildflower gardens.

Specimen plant, thicket, or natural background plantings.

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).

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 nature, this grows in habitats with frequent fire.  In the garden, it will grow best if you remove built-up thatch (or burn it once every few years if you can). Bunching grass in a wildflower garden. Border of walkways. This is a low plant, so best used near the front of a group planting.

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.

This tree is subject to Dutch elm disease. Dutch elm disease has not been detected in Florida (IFAS 2008). In most of eastern North America, this tree has largely disappeared from landscape use due to mass mortality from Dutch elm disease. Shade tree, used as a street tree noted for its spreading urn-shaped crown. Tolerant of root disturbance.

For special uses only. This tall growing vine can hide unsightly objects in moist places and is useful to providing cover for wildlife and food for birds. When grown on a fence or arbor, new leaves can be bright red in color.

Specimen plant or mass planting in well-drained but moist, humid sites.

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

This is a Florida endemic listed by the USFWS and the State of Florida as Endangered.  Please acquire only from reputable sources that have the proper permits. Groundcover in dry coastal settings.

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

Naturalistic woodland landscapes.

Wildflower garden. Flowers in spring and summer.