Small to medium tree often with somewhat scruffy form. Retain in a natural setting if present.

Moist wildflower garden.

Water gardens and pond edges.  Moist wildflower gardens.

Rarely grown.  This tree occurs predominantly in the coastal plain (withoutliers) from eastern Alabama north to southern New Jersey. Shade tree for moist sites. Forest tree.

Groundcover or border plant in shady areas.

Ground cover in  wet to moist areas.

Sawgrass is a sedge, not a grass. It was this plant that Marjory Stoneman Douglas referred to in her seminal work: "The Everglades: River of Grass." A second species (C. mariscoides) occurs in a limited area in north Florida.  Its uses and culture are similar. Typically used in wetland restoration. Also useful for planting in brackish settings where an emergent aquatic is desired. Spreads rapidly to cover large areas.

Often grows with ink berry and palmettos. Beautiful early spring-blooming shrub. Grow at edge of wooded areas or as a specimen.

If a single plant of similar stature and flowers is desired, consider flatwoods plum, Prunus umbellatus. Based on BONAP and ISB maps, the range of this species covers much of the southern and south central US with some outliers to the north and west. In Florida, it has been documented in many counties in the northern half of the state, and this author is aware of it being in others.  It appears to be appropriate to consider this species native throughout this part of the state. Plant as a screen where its suckers are welcome (woodland edges, casual but large garden settings)

The genus name honors the English botanist William Vernon, who did fieldwork in North America. Back of a moist wildflower garden. Can also use on the edges of natural or created wetlands and streams.

This is a rare plant.  Please acquire responsibly (don't steal from the wild). Not common in the nursery trade (we are aware of one North Florida nursery that sells it). Back up flower beds

The range includes all of peninsular Florida and the southern parts of Georgia, and Alabama. Best used as a wildflower as it has a relatively short lifespan.

Background shrub.

In natural settings, benefits from fire. Bog gardens.

Specimen shrub, woodland understory shrub, screen, shrub border, mass plantings

Multiple species are native to Florida.  Most are attractive and many are easy to grow.  This is a catch-all for species not listed individually.  Please choose those that are appropriate for your area. Wildflower garden. All the species listed should grow well in garden settings. They are all grown for their showy flowers (most are yellow, though we do have one with small dark red ray flowers).

Shade tree. Relatively conical or oval in form. Straight trunk.

Forms a low thicket with many sprouts from  underground stems.