Leaves are whorled at intervals around the stem. Wildflower garden, butterfly garden or meadow. Stems spread but not aggressive.

In January the tree bears tiny red flowers followed by conspicuous, bright-red, winged samaras,or keys, which remain on trees for several weeks, serving as indicators of spring. Florida-grown stock does not need cold temperatures to stimulate flowering, but out-of-state stock does, and should be avoided. Red maple has the greatest south-north range of tree species in eastern North America. Shade or fall color tree for moist areas. Rain gardens or bioswales

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.

Moist wildflower garden.

Background shrub.

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).

Wildflower garden, meadow.

Low ground-hugging ground cover in restoration areas, in ditches, and on wetland edges.

Multistemmed shrub that can form small thickets. Plant as a screen, hedge, or background plant.

Meadow or wildflower garden.

Not widely grown. Groundcover.

Host plant for Zestos Skipper butterfly which is believed to be extirpated (extinct) in FLorida. Also used by Cassius blue, longtailed skipper, and Zarucco duskywing Grown by enthusiasts.

Its acorn is large (about an inch long) and is nearly enclosed by its cup or receptacle--hence the name "overcup." Shade tree.

Foliage has a strong minty smell. Dry wildflower garden.

Specimen plant, screen plantings, sometimes with unusual or weeping form.

Endemic to western peninsular Florida from Tampa south to Charlotte County. Wildflower garden.

It's a vine, but can be used as a groundcover or to scramble over rocky outcroppings.

This is a native that makes Florida look tropical. Herbarium specimens from Leon County say that the fern was likely brought in.  Otherwise, the northern locations appear to be coastal, and likely that should be considered when considering this species.  The entire peninsula appears to be appropriate habitat. Typically epiphytic (on trees). Interesting grown in the boots (old leaf bases) of cabbage palm. Can also be grown in soil or on rock as part of a shade or fern garden.

It can be difficult to maintain habitat for this plant.  Keeping the competition down seems to be critical (mow, burn, etc.). We know of no Florida nursery carrying this. Wildflower garden, formal garden

Specimen tree in wet settings. This is a good plant to grow in floodplains.

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