Emily Taber Public Library Native Plant Garden

Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County established a native wildflower garden in a highly visible area on the west side of the library, transforming an existing turf and shrub space into an educational landscape. The library partners with the UF/IFAS Baker County Extension Office and Master Gardener volunteers. With a range of sun and shade conditions allowing for diverse plantings, the garden will showcases species suited to the region while promoting native landscaping through community outreach and educational opportunities.

DID YOU KNOW? Florida native plants are adapted to thrive in our climate, conditions and soil. They need less water than other plants, and require no fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals. This saves precious water resources and keeps excess nutrients from polluting lakes, rivers and streams.

Red brick building with white trim, a sidewalk, multiple ramp railings, a small sign reading Library Parking Only, and some shrubs near the entrance. — The Emily Taber Public Library Public Library

The garden was made possible by a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation.

The following native species were planted:

Florida greeneyes

Florida greeneyes (Berlandiera subacaulis) is an endemic wildflower found in Florida’s sandhills, pine flatwoods, mixed upland forests, and along dry roadsides. Their bright yellow flowers bloom in spring, attracting a…

Woodland poppymallow

Woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver) is one of Florida’s most unique native wildflowers, with cup-like crimson blooms that resemble a challis of red wine. The flowers attract a variety of bees,…

Purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has striking blooms that attract a variety of butterflies, bees and even hummingbirds. Its seeds are eaten by birds and other wildlife.

Tall elephantsfoot

You’d probably expect an elephant-sized flower from a plant called Tall elephantsfoot (Elephantopus elatus), but it’s not the flower that gives this plant its name.

Narrowleaf yellowtops

Narrowleaf yellowtops (Flaveria linearis) blooms in late summer through fall, producing many bright yellow flowers that are attractive to a plethora of butterflies, bees and flower beetles.

Firebush

Firebush (Hamelia patens var. patens) is a hardy shrub to small tree. It produces clusters of bright orange to red tubular flowers that are filled with nectar, attracting butterflies and…

St. Andrew’s cross

St. Andrew’s cross Hypericum St. Andrew’s cross ( Hypericum hypericoides) is found in wet pine flatwoods, calcareous hammocks, floodplain forests and mixed woodlands throughout Florida. Bees and butterflies love its…

Simpson’s stopper

Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) has year-round blooms that attract a variety of butterflies and bees; its fruit provides food for many bird species.

Wild pennyroyal

Wild pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) typically flowers in late winter through spring, but can bloom year-round, and occurs naturally in scrub, scrubby and pine flatwoods, sandhills, dry prairies and ruderal areas…

Tropical sage

Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) is a versatile perennial wildflower that no pollinator can resist, but it is particularly attractive to bees, large butterflies and hummingbirds.

Starry rosinweed

Starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus) is a robust perennial with showy yellow blooms. It occurs naturally in flatwoods, sandy pinelands and disturbed areas and attracts a variety of pollinators.

Stokes’ aster

Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) typically blooms in spring and summer, but may bloom throughout the year, attracting a variety of bees, wasps and butterflies.

Wood sage

Also known as Canadian germander, Wood sage (Teucrium canadense) flowers attract a variety of native long-tongued insects that will use the flower’s lower lip as a landing pad. Birds find…

Darrow’s blueberry

Darrow’s blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii) is a small shrub that is underappreciated as a landscape plant. Its profuse spring blooms attract many pollinators and the sweet summer berries are attractive to…

Frostweed

Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) typically flowers late summer through fall along moist forest and hammock edges throughout the state. It is attractive to many bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Giant ironweed

Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) is a robust perennial wildflower that blooms in summer and fall, attracting a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies.

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea Quercifolia)

Whiteleaf Mountainmint (Pycanthemum albescens)

American strawberry bush(Euonymus americanus)

Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

POLLINATORS NEED YOUR HELP!

Help Florida’s wildlife and environment by using native wildflowers and plants in your landscape. Click here to learn more information on planting, selecting and maintaining native plants, or check out these resources: