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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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Vallesia antillana
It is listed as endangered by the state of Florida and as critically imperiled in South Florida by The Institute for Regional Conservation. Specimen shrub. Foliage is shiny, attractive. Grown mostly for its interesting, translucent fruits.
  • Lush, dense shade tree
  • Beloved in South Florida
  • Deciduous
  • Highly wind tolerant
  • Highly salt tolerant
  • Underutilized
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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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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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Nyssa ogeche
Shade tree. Screen along wetland edges. Street tree for use in parking lots and median strips. Many acres have been planted to attract bees for honey production.
  • Prized scent, used in commercial perfumes
  • Sprawling and informal shrub
  • Prefers acidic soil
  • Healthy edible fruit
  • Prominent pale green crownshaft
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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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Helianthus debilis subsp. debilis
To avoid introgression with other H. debilis subspecies, do not grow them in a common garden. Ground cover in sandy, open environments.
  • Decorative diamond-shaped trunk pattern
  • Rare and unique
  • Completely bare in winter
  • Compact size
  • Wonderfully fragrant at night
  • Stunning during brief late spring bloom
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Symphyotrichum elliottii
Moist wildflower garden. Wetland garden. Plant in full sun and give it plenty of room and plant behind shorter plants.
  • Elegant and stately
  • Requires shade when young
  • Excellent choice for narrow spaces
  • Imposing stature
  • Stunning colorful foliage
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Silene catesbaei
Rare and listed as endangered. Please obtain this plant only from reputable native plant nurseries or friends -- do not harvest from the wild. Little is known about the culture of this species. Other Silene species do well if divided at the crown during the winter every few years. Groundcover.
  • Uniquely shaped with a muscular look
  • Showy reddish peeling bark
  • Produces aromatic flowers year-round
  • Available multi-stalked
  • Somewhat salt tolerant
  • Can be kept narrow
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Paspalum vaginatum
Similar in general appearance to St. Augustine grass. To look nice as a turf grass, seashore paspalum requires water and fertilizer and needs frequent mowing. High tolerance for heat and salt and will tolerate some shade. Tolerates some traffic and can recover quickly from moderate wear during spring and summer, but not suited to heavy uses such as ball fields. There is question on how appropriate it is to consider the cultivated varieties native. The range in Florida is essentially the sandy coastal areas.  A few other herbarium specimens appear to have been gathered from disturbed areas.  Given that this species is being used as a turf grass, we can expect it to occasionally occur outside of its historic settings. Used as a turf grass or in a wet meadow.
  • Extremely popular
  • Lovely deep green, glossy leaves
  • Intoxicating fragrance
  • Beautiful purple-brown crownshaft
  • Requires protection from strong winds
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Viburnum rufidulum
Specimen plant, screen plant, understory tree/shrub.
  • Flowers year round
  • Imposing stature
  • Silvery blue-green fronds
  • Highly wind tolerant
  • Lovely deep green, glossy leaves
  • Unique, stout pineapple-like trunk when young
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Aralia spinosa
FNPS Blog article Specimen plant or background hedge.
  • Slow Growth
  • Wonderfully fragrant at night
  • Easily trimmed to maintain desired size
  • Symmetrical shape
  • Narrow enough for tight spaces
  • Fragrant clusters of flowers in fall
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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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Pinus serotina
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.
  • Dense attractive foliage
  • Fragrant clusters of flowers in fall
  • Iconic symbol of the south
  • Unique and prized
  • Recently classified invasive
  • Prefers acidic soil
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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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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