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.

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.

In natural settings, benefits from fire. Bog gardens.

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

The entire state excepting the keys falls within the range of this plant which extends from North Carolina to Texas.   Herbarium specimens document occurrence, at least sporatically, throughout the peninsula but not in the Florida keys.  Counties without documented specimens are ones with heavy urbanization, dominance by unsuitable habitats, intensive farming or silviculture, or generally a lack of public access for botanizing. Moist meadows

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.

Wildflower garden. Also useful as a cut flower.

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.

Not widely grown. Groundcover.

Bloom period can be prolonged by removing flowers as they wither. It does not compete well with aggressive plants. Wildflower garden. Blooms best in light shade. Use in a bog, pond or water garden.

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 is a rare South Florida native that has entered the nursery trade. A major concern is hybridization with Lantana strigocamara, a multicolored invasive exotic. Due to the potential hybridization, it is best to acquire L. depress var. depressa only, and it is best to acquire it from a native plant nursery, not a big box store. Small, low-growing border plant, specimen plant in a flower garden. Fairly slow growing. Flowers range from bright yellow to white with a yellow center -- never becoming multicolored with age.

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

It's a vine, but can be used as a groundcover or to scramble over rocky outcroppings.