There are two subspecies in Florida with somewhat different but overlapping distributions. Culture and uses in the landscape are similar. It is best to use local sources. Small wildflower. Typically seen in spring or after rain. Grows in small tufts. Plant in low border on intermixed with a groundcover. Inconspicuous when not in bloom. Individual plants are short-lived perennials, but clumps persist for many years.

Natural range is restricted to coastal areas. Native borders, foundation plant, especially in salty environments. Can be trimmed.

FNPS Blog article Specimen plant or background hedge.

For best results, use species naturally found in your area Wildflower garden. Most species bloom best if in light shade or sun, though it does depend on species.

This is a wetland plant, but it will do well once established in a moist garden setting. Moist wildflower gardens. Easily grown along streams.

The scientific name Befaria racemosa was apparently an early transcription error. The genus is named after an 18th century Spanish botanist by the name of Bejar. Documented bees include Agapostemon splendens, Augochlorella aurata, A. gratiosa, Augochloropsis sumptuosa, Anthidiellum perplexum, Anthidium maculifrons, Megachile brevis pseudobrevis, M. mendica, M. petulans, Bombus impatiens and B. pennsylvanicus (Deyrup et al. 2002). Naturalistic settings. Conserve in residual natural settings if possible.

The common name refers to the pliable twigs. Use as a border plant, foundation plant, or understory shrub in a shady, moist setting.

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.

Groundcover or border plant in shady areas.

This species and other members of the Lauraceae are being attacked by a serious, fatal disease. Do not plant this plant unless you are absolutely sure that it is not infected! If you have this plant in your landscape, retain it to supply larval food for the spicebush swallowtail and other butterflies.

Lemon bacopa is distinguished by blue flowers, a hairy upper stem, and by the lemony scent of its crushed foliage. Spreading ground cover around the edges of retention ponds and aquatic gardens. Groundcover in restoration areas. Also used in aquariums.

This plant can form clones from underground stems.  It is adapted to fire environments. Forms a thicket with many sprouts from spreading roots

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.

Sometimes difficult to establish in new areas, but definitely worth the effort. Wildflower garden, meadow.

Don't confuse this native with its invasive relatives: taro (Colocasia esculenta) and malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), which have been widely planted as crops and/or ornamentals in Florida. Use in a water garden.

Often in water. Use in water gardens or along the shallow edges of ponds.

Called cinnamon fern because of the color of its fertile fronds. In Florida it sends up its fertile fronds in the spring and fall; farther north in its large range, the fertile fronds only emerge in the spring. Useful as a specimen in moist areas and in rain gardens or bioswales. Its urn shape and orange spore producing fertile leaves make this fern attractive as an individual specimen in areas that have adequate moisture. Large size and grace are its principal appeal. Evergreen in south-central FL. Deciduous in north FL.

These are generally moist site ferns though some (T. kunthii, T. ovata) grow in mesic uplands. Most are similar in appearance, and all will grow in a moist, shady garden setting. Most are adaptable and easy to grow. Groundcover recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restoration.

Further north, this can be a moderately large tree. Not typically grown but worth retaining if present as an understory tree.

Listed as Endangered by the State of Florida and the USFWS.  This is a rare plant endemic to one panhandle county and should only be acquired from reputable plant nurseries. Border plant or scattered in a wildlflower garden.

Foliage may be fragrant. Listed as Threatened by the state of Florida.  Please acquire only from reputable suppliers with appropriate permits and licenses. Useful as a screen or hedge plant. Typically used in natural landscapes. Used for dense foliage and shiny leaves.