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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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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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Coreopsis major
Leaves are whorled at intervals around the stem. Wildflower garden, butterfly garden or meadow. Stems spread but not aggressive.
  • Christmas tree shape
  • Unique, sweet, almond-like flavor
  • Decorative diamond-shaped trunk pattern
  • Ringed trunk
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Silphium compositum
Wildflower garden.
  • Attractive glossy leaves
  • Wonderfully fragrant at night
  • Unique and prized
  • Thick branching into attractive silouttes
  • Striking silhouette
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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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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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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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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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Physostegia leptophylla
Water gardens and pond edges.  Moist wildflower gardens.
  • Formal, old-world appearance
  • Not recommended
  • Huge extremely fragrant flowers
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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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Zephyranthes atamasca
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.
  • Can be grown indoors
  • Stout, swollen trunk
  • Classic Southern tree
  • Very showy clusters of flowers
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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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Borrichia frutescens
Natural range is restricted to coastal areas. Native borders, foundation plant, especially in salty environments. Can be trimmed.
  • Will not tolerate frost
  • Relatively uncommon in South Florida
  • Very full crown
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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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Baptisia simplicifolia
This plant is a legume and its roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules on them. It is useful on nutrient poor soils. Baptisia simplicifolia is a Florida endemic and is listed as Threatened by the FDACS. Treat as a small shrub even though this is not woody or use as a background plant in a wildflower garden.
  • Towering
  • Flowers profusely year round
  • Tropical silhouette
  • 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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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