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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 hummingbirds.
Grassleaf coneflower
Grassleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia graminifolia) has brick-red solitary flowers that bloom in summer. It is endemic to the Florida Panhandle and occurs naturally in wet savannas.
Wild petunia
Wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) typically blooms late spring through early fall, attracting a variety of pollinators. It is also a host plant for the White peacock butterfly.
Moonflower
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) occurs naturally along the margins of wet to moist hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests and swamps. Its night blooming flowers attract and are pollinated by moths.
Rosy camphorweed
Rosy camphorweed (Pluchea baccharis) is a summer-blooming wildflower found in wet habitats throughout Florida. Its pink flowers are particularly attractive to small butterflies, bees and other dainty pollinators.
Joe Pye weed
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) is a robust summer-blooming wildflower that attracts a wide variety of pollinators and is a favorite of butterflies. The seeds are consumed by small birds.
Tall ironweed
Tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia) is a robust perennial wildflower that blooms in summer and fall, attracting a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies.
Red-spotted purple
Contrary to its name, the Red-spotted purple is neither red nor purple, but a vibrant shade of blue! This butterfly is common throughout the southeastern United States.
Coral honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) flowers are attractive to many butterflies, and hummingbirds find them irresistible. Birds such as Northern cardinals enjoy the bright red berries.
Bloom Report: Summer Wildflowers — Strange, Surprising and Just Plain Cool!
Florida’s wildflowers don’t always follow the rules. In this summer bloom report we’re featuring a few fun, weird and wonderful facts about some quirky native blooms!
Bushy seaside oxeye
Bushy seaside oxeye (Borrichia frutescens) blooms year-round, keeping our coastline in color and attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Its seeds provide food for birds and other small wildlife.
WEBINAR – Bring on the Butterflies
Emily Bell, Florida Wildflower Foundation Communications Coordinator, presents “Bring on the Butterflies”, explaining how your gardening practices can support a wide diversity of butterflies.
Lantana
Lantana depressa is an endemic and state-endangered wildflower that occurs in pine rockland and coastal upland habitats. Butterflies and moths are thought to be its primary 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.
Pineland heliotrope
Consider Pineland heliotrope (Euploca polyphylla) if you’re looking for year-round blooms! This Florida endemic wildflower is adaptable to a variety of conditions. Its small white or yellow flowers attract many pollinators.
25 Years of Wildflowers on the Road!
In June 2025, we celebrate 25 years of the State Wildflower license plate supporting wildflowers and wildlife across Florida! With more than 35,000 plates on the road, we are thankful for everyone who has helped us drive our mission forward.
Yellow anise
Yellow anise (Illicium parviflorum) is an evergreen shrub to small tree found in mesic hammocks, bluffs, ravines and seepage swamps. It is endemic to only seven Central Florida counties.
Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a wetland shrub with pincushion-like blooms that attract bees, butterflies and moths. Ducks and other birds eat the seeds and the foliage is browsed by deer.
WEBINAR – Future Direction of the Million Orchid Project: Potential for New Natural Experiments
Dr. Jason Downing, Director of Research at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden presents “Future Direction of the Million Orchid Project – Potential for New Natural Experiments”.
Polka-dot wasp moth
Contrary to its appearance, the harmless Polka-dot wasp moth (Syntomeida epilais) isn’t a wasp — but it’s not your typical moth, either!
American beautyberry
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a woody shrub found in pinelands and hammocks throughout Florida. Its flowers are a nectar source for pollinators, while the numerous berries provide food for birds in late summer and fall.