A cluster of vibrant yellow helianthus floridanus blooms with dark centers stands out against a blurred green background, creating a beautiful contrast that showcases the delicate petals and natural beauty of these stunning flowers.

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).

Hartwrightia floridana flowers with insects

Hartwrightia

Hartwrightia (Hartwrightia floridana) is an uncommon inconspicuous wildflower found in only 10 Florida and five Georgia counties. It is a state-listed threatened species in both states, where habitat loss and fire suppression imperil it. The plant occurs in seepage slopes, depressions, marsh edges and wet pine flatwoods and prairies. Its pastel flowers bloom in late summer and fall. Pollination has not been studied specifically in Hartwrightia, but it is presumed its flowers are pollinated by the same variety of insects that pollinate other Asteraceae species.

Dr. Loran Anderson

Member profile: Dr. Loran Anderson

Dr. Loran Anderson is a professor emeritus in the department of biological science at Florida State University in Tallahassee. His research has focused on plant taxonomy and systematics in the Florida Panhandle and elsewhere.

Long-horned bee, Eucera dubitata

Long-horned bees

The Eucerini tribe is collectively referred to as the “long-horned bees,” but some genera within this tribe have other common names such as squash bees and sunflower bees. 

Four-panel collage showing: a zebra swallowtail butterfly on yellow flowers, a close-up of a purple flower, a slender orchid, and a wasp on a pale flower.

Our Wildflower Family

The first full week of May is National Wildflower Week, and this year it’s a family affair! We’ll be featuring some of our most diverse native wildflower families, exploring their ecological role and relationships to pollinators.

Rice button aster

Rice button aster

Rice button aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum) is a profuse bloomer with small flowers that attract a plethora of pollinators including butterflies and native bees.

Field of Leavenworth's coreopsis along road

Bloom Report: Head south and look to moist areas

This bloom report is from November 2017. In November, the foliage of many native grasses has senesced. The various shades of brown and reddish brown that native grasses exhibit through the latter stages of life adds an aesthetic that appeals to many folks.

Garberia flowers

Garberia

Garberia (Garberia heterophylla) is endemic to Florida’s north and central peninsula and is a state-listed threatened species. It is an excellent nectar source for many butterflies and bees.

Goldenaster

Bloom Report: Fall color, Florida style

Fall is the time to be looking for wildflowers throughout the state. Fall wildflowers are in full bloom, with the best places to find them being open areas without homes or businesses.

Elliott's aster flowers

Bloom Report: Fall is Aster Time!

In cooler climates, fall is when “leaf peepers” hit the road to view red-, yellow- and orange-leaved trees. Here in Florida, fall color means wildflowers.