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Helianthus debilis subsp. cucumerifolius
This subspecies has a broad distribution that extends west into Texas and north into northern New England.  It is found broadly but sporatically in Florida.  Our map shows where herbarium specimens have been submitted, but it should be appropriate to plant this plant almost anywhere in the northern 2/3 of the state.   To avoid inbreeding, do not plant this subspecies in a common garden with either the east- or west-coast dune sunflower. Beach-front gardens.  Wildflower gardens. Groundcover.
  • Dense canopy
  • Slender and elegant
  • Iconic symbol of the south
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Lyonia fruticosa
Retain if present. Can be used as part of a screen in a dry site setting.
  • Briefly bare for about a month in the winter
  • Lovely dark green, shiny leaves
  • Heavy feeder
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Acer rubrum
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
  • Unusual deep green leaves with bronze underside
  • Showy reddish peeling bark
  • Beautiful sweeping fronds with drooping leaflets
  • Silvery blue-green fronds
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Vachellia farnesiana
Although drought-tolerant, this shrub/small tree may benefit from a few deep, thorough soakings during extremely dry periods. When young, it tends to be multi-trunked, so if a tree form is desired, pruning is required. Very briefly deciduous. Although the range extends further north, it is best used in landscaping where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees F. Good for barrier shrub and as wildlife thicket, also nice as specimen.
  • Briefly bare for about a month in the winter
  • Very rare
  • Prominant olive crownshaft
  • Grows tall, but not massive
  • Prominent pale green crownshaft
  • Intoxicating fragrance
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Vernonia gigantea
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.
  • Colorful new leafs
  • Rare, despite being a South Florida native
  • Beautiful rounded dense canopy
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Pentalinon luteum
Grow on a trellis, fence, or post.
  • Attracts butterflies and bees
  • Prized scent, used in commercial perfumes
  • Uniquely shaped with a muscular look
  • Towering
  • Slender profile
  • Highly salt tolerant
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Ardisia escallonioides
Don't confuse this native with the two highly invasive ardisias: coral ardisia (A. crentata) and shoebutton ardisia (A. elliptica). While this will grown in full shade, it blooms better in part sun to sun. Specimen plant or hedge.
  • Damaged by citrus canker
  • Showy creamy white flowers
  • Unique foliage and silhouette
  • Tropical silhouette
  • Deciduous
  • Attractive tiered canopy
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Quercus marilandica
Small to medium tree often with somewhat scruffy form. Retain in a natural setting if present.
  • Intoxicating fragrance
  • Thrives only briefly, about 1 year
  • Very fast growth rate
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Hypericum tetrapetalum
Moist wildflower garden.
  • Produces aromatic flowers year-round
  • Prominant olive crownshaft, slightly buldging
  • Smaller stature
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Helianthus radula
Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray
  • Not as popular as it once was
  • Showy creamy white flowers
  • Highly nutritious fruit
  • Relatively compact and narrow canopy
  • Striking silhouette
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Varronia globosa
Background shrub.
  • Not recommended
  • Readily pruned into attractive shapes
  • Elegant and compact
  • Salt tolerant
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Symphyotrichum dumosum
Wildflower garden, meadow.
  • Not a true pine
  • Will not tolerate frost
  • Massive, nutrient-dense edible fruit
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Coreopsis floridana
This is one of our larger (taller and larger flowers) Coreopsis species. Useful as a colorful wildflower along the edge of a wetland. Often overlooked as sunflowers are blooming at the same time. But if the site is appropriate, worthwhile.
  • Easily trimmed for smaller spaces
  • Narrow canopy
  • Stately and uncommon
  • Attractive dark green leaves
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Schoenoplectus pungens
Restoration. Backdrop for a pond. Useful for water quality treatment.
  • Fruit eaten by birds
  • Magnificent
  • Silvery blue-green fronds
  • Moderately rapid growth
  • Prominent pale green crownshaft
  • Attracts butterflies and bees
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Rudbeckia spp.
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).
  • Long emerald crownshaft
  • Can be grown indoors
  • Somewhat drought tolerant
  • Colorful new leafs
  • No longer recommended
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Symphyotrichum chapmanii
Based on the BONAP range map, this species is a "near endemic" -- it occurs only in the panhandle and a 3 counties in southern Alabama. At this time, the Florida Plant Atlas shows two outlying collections.  One (Alachua County) appears to have been removed by the herbarium that "has" the specimen, the other (St. Lucie County) is a 1980 literature citation with apparently no specimen.   Neither is shown on our map. Bog gardens, sunny areas with moist soil.  Only likely to be noticed when blooming.
  • Beautiful, natural globe shape
  • Uncommon
  • No longer recommended
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Quercus alba
Its peeling bark and rounded lobes set it apart from most other oaks. Shade tree best suited to settings where its large size can be appreciated. Grown in open settings, it can have a wide spread. Grown in a forested setting it will have a narrower crown.
  • Elegant appearance
  • Easy/Carefree native
  • Attracts butterflies and bees
  • Slender profile
  • Massive stature
  • Not as popular as it once was
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Cardiospermum corindum
Blooms all year. Recruits readily in the garden from seed. Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also butterfly gardens.
  • Lovely dark green, shiny leaves
  • Beautiful rounded dense canopy
  • Flowers profusely year round
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Cercis canadensis
Bloom can be long lasting relative to other early spring blooming trees -- as long as a month. Duration is dependent on temperature. Flowers grow directly from the trunk. Moderate-sized specimen tree.
  • Highly versatile
  • Ideal with Mediterranean architecture
  • Ideal for smaller spaces
  • Unique foliage and silhouette
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Myrsine cubana
It's quite hardy and tolerant of difficult environments. The herbarium specimen from Wakulla County is from a natural area.  It is a 2012 specimen and could represent a range expansion. Hedge or screen plant. Can be used on the edges of parking lots. Fairly narrow in form.
  • Long-lived perennial
  • Christmas tree shape
  • Formal, old-world appearance
  • Beautiful shiny green leaves
  • Heavy feeder
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Sarracenia psittacina
In natural settings, benefits from fire. Bog gardens.
  • Lovely dark green, shiny leaves
  • Often hosts orchids, ferns and bromiliads
  • Very slow growth
  • Attractive shade tree
  • Flowers profusely year round
  • Unique flowers, with petals like banana peels