Purple thistle
Purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum) is a larval host for the Little metalmark and Painted lady butterflies. The seeds are an important food source for seed-eating birds.
Bloom Report: Banner bloom ahead for Florida’s spring wildflowers
This bloom report is from spring 2015. In the Apalachicola National Forest, drive County Road 375 (Smith Creek Road) from SR 20 in Leon County to Sopchoppy in Wakulla County to see stately purple lady lupine in sandy soil and a variety of carnivorous plants.
Plant selection guide
This guide includes over 120 Florida native wildflowers, shrubs, vines and grasses that work well in home landscapes. It will help you choose plants based on your location, soil and light conditions, color and season of bloom, and pollinator use. Versión en español disponible.
Family Profile: Asteraceae
Asteraceae is the largest family of flowering plants with over 30,000 recognized species worldwide. Some of its most recognizable members include tickseeds (Coreopsis), our state wildflower, sunflowers (Helianthus) and asters (Symphyotrichum).
Dry Landscapes
Wondering what native wildflowers and plants to use in a dry landscape? Use our new handout to evaluate your landscape’s soil moisture and choose diverse species that will thrive and give your landscape a “real Florida” feel. Versión en español disponible.
Attracting Birds
Bring birds into your landscape by planting Florida native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs that provide food and habitat. Learn more now. Versión en español disponible.
Attracting Bees
You can help provide food and habitat for Florida’s native bees and other beneficial insects by landscaping with native wildflowers. Versión en español disponible.
Bring on the Butterflies!
Butterflies are perhaps the most universally loved insect — their beauty and grace captivates us and their presence brings us joy. Ecologically, butterflies are also incredibly important! Learn how your gardening practices can bring on and support a wide diversity of butterflies.
Bloom Report: Spring wildflowers — small is beautiful
Many of Florida’s spring native wildflowers have large, showy flowers. But some small common ones may be underappreciated. However, they are quite beautiful when viewed close up.
Panhandle Wildflowers
The Panhandle’s plentiful public lands and rural roadsides make it a wonderful place to see wildflowers. Learn what’s blooming and where with this helpful brochure.
Celebrate native bees and other pollinators
Do you enjoy juicy watermelons, local blueberries and strawberries and fresh Florida orange juice? How about carrots, broccoli, almonds and apples? If you do, please thank an insect.
Bloom report: Unseasonal heat affects spring wildflower display
This bloom report covers spring 2020. Look for spring’s wildflower displays in wet areas and ditches. Dry-adapted wildflowers also may do well. Read our Bloom Report to find out more about what to expect.