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.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Useful in coastal restoration or retained along a coastal shoreline for stabilization. Salt marsh coastal stabilizer. Low dune stabilizer. Groundcover in coastal settings.

Three subspecies occur in Florida.  The subspecies ranges somewhat overlap.  Subspecies cruiseana is listed as Endangered by the State of Florida. Informal wildflower garden.

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.

Meadow or wildflower garden.

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.

Shady settings. Interesting for its green twigs and red warty fruits. In good habitats it can form dense clones.

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.

Fall foliage color is yellow. While used extensively as a street tree in the north, this fast growing species is relatively weak. Specimen tree. Frequently used as a street tree as tolerant of root disturbance. Fall color is yellow.

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

Information on salt tolerance comes from northern nurseries and likely relates to tolerance of salt used for de-icing or roadways.  The extent to which it would apply to Florida is unknown. Good hedge plant. Rose garden. Rear of a wildflower garden.

Moist wildflower garden.

Adaptable to the casual or wildflower garden. Can be used as groundcover or border plant. Naturalizes.

Based on BONAP maps, the ISB maps and specimens, and one author's personal observations, the range of this species appears to be those parts of the coastal plain and adjacent areas of sandhill where there are seepage wetlands.  The range extend from Mississippi to South Carolina.  It may be excluded from the southern half of the Florida peninsula temperatures unsuitable for its reproduction. This grows as a viney shrubl. Can be grown as a shrub if pruned but could also be trained against an arbor or post.

Relatively small for an oak. Use as specimen tree or in a grove.

Listed as endangered in Florida. Please acquire from appropriate sources. Large tree or small shrub. Buffer planting or specimen tree.

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

This species can be distinguished from related non-natives by its trailing stems and lance-shaped leaves. Stachytarpheta urticifolia, commonly sold by non-native nurseries, is native to tropical Asia. It has an erect growth habit. Groundcover or in a meadow.

Is being replaced  by S. lancifolia in Louisiana where there is salt water intrusion into wetlands.  Apparently much less salt tolerant that S. lancifolia. Use in water gardens or as an emergent along pond edges.

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.