Lanceleaf blanketflower

Lanceleaf blanketflower

Lanceleaf blanketflower (Gaillardia aestivalis) is a short-lived perennial wildflower with compound, solitary blooms. It typically blooms in summer through early fall and attracts a variety of pollinators.

Blanketflower

Blanketflower

Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) is an herbaceous wildflower whose brightly colored flowers attract a variety of pollinators. The plant typically blooms from spring into fall, but may bloom year-round.

Blanketflower – native or not?

Blanketflower – native or not?

Recent research found that Gaillardia pulchella is not a native Florida species, but rather an introduced species. The news sparked many different reactions across the state. Experts weigh in on what this means for Florida gardeners.

Native Roadside Wildflowers in Rural Areas: Developing Best Management Practices for Establishment of Plantings by Seed and Enhancement of Naturally-Occurring Populations 

The main goal of this study was to determine the effects of competition and mowing on native wildflower establishment on road-side right-of-ways (ROWs) dominated by bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum). The species were Flordia ecotypes of Coreopsis lanceolata, C. leavenworthii, Gaillardia puchella, and Ipomopsis rubra. Bahiagrass competition was the main factor limiting establishment of wildflowers under simulated…

Advice on fall garden maintenance and seed collecting

Advice on fall garden maintenance and seed collecting

As you return to the garden after the last two months of unbearable heat, biting bugs and sweat, you’ll probably encounter a lot of overgrown stems. Cut those back to their base to freshen up the plant for winter.

Bloom Report: Wildflowers bloom earlier than normal

Bloom Report: Wildflowers bloom earlier than normal

This bloom report is from March 2017. Earlier-than-normal blooming of spring wildflowers is occurring more often, but this year stands out because some wildflowers are blooming nearly a month earlier than expected.

FDOT Wildflower Program Photos

Florida Department of Transportation Wildflower Program This page is hosted by the Florida Wildflower Foundation as a courtesy to the Florida Department of Transportation. Photo Gallery The photos on this page highlight the successes of the Florida Department of Transportation Wildflower Program over the past 20 years. Due to construction activities, necessary re-working of roadsides…

Bumble bees

Bumble bees

Bumble bees are very efficient pollinators because they “buzz pollinate.” The bee grabs onto a flower and vibrates its flight muscles but not its wings. This causes the flower to release its pollen.