Solomon’s seal
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is a unique wildflower with pendulous, greenish-white flowers that hang in pairs from the leaf axils and are often obscured by leaves.
Southeastern sneezeweed
Southeastern sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum) is a sunny spring bloomer. It occurs naturally in wet flatwoods and roadside ditches, and along marsh and swamp edges throughout Florida.
Southern beeblossom
Southern beeblossom (Oenothera simulans) flowers spring through summer. The flowers open at night and attract a wide range of small pollinators, including moths and bees.
Southern catalpa
The Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is a strikingly beautiful tree with a fascinating cultural heritage. Also commonly referred to as the worm or fish bait tree, it is a larval host for the Catalpa sphinx moth, whose caterpillars are tough and juicy, making them ideal fish bait!
Southern crabapple
Southern crabapple (Malus angustifolia) is a deciduous flowering shrub with fragrant spring blooms. They are pollinated primarily by bees, but butterflies are also known to visit them.
Southern twayblade
Southern twayblade (Neottia bifolia) is a small terrestrial orchid found in bogs, moist hardwood forests, swamps and marshes throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada. In Florida, it is a threatened species, having been documented in only 19 counties. It blooms primarily in January, but may bloom between December and March. It is often found growing among Cinnamon ferns, however, Southern twayblade’s camouflaging colors, short thin flowers and low stature make it difficult to spot. For this reason, the plant may have a greater distribution than documented.
Spanish bayonet
Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) flowers spring through fall and provides food and cover for a variety of wildlife. The blooms are frequented for their nectar by hummingbirds and butterflies.
Spanish stopper
Spanish stopper (Eugenia foetida) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with semi-showy flowers that may bloom year-round, but peak in spring and summer.
Sparkleberry
Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) blooms in spring, attracting a variety of pollinators — especially native bees. It is the larval host for the Striped hairstreak and Henry’s elfin butterflies.
Spiderwort
Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.) flowers attract many pollinators, especially bees. Like all species in the dayflower family, the flowers are ephemeral, meaning they stay open only one day.
Spotted beebalm
Also known as Dotted horsemint, Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) is a robust, aromatic wildflower known to attract a huge variety of pollinating insects, including bees, wasps and butterflies. It blooms from early summer through fall, and occurs naturally in meadows, coastal dunes, roadsides and dry disturbed areas.
Spotted wakerobin
Spotted wakerobin (Trillium maculatum) blooms as early as December in north central Florida, occupying the understory of upland hardwood forests, slope forests, hammocks and bluffs.
Spotted water hemlock
Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is a robust herbaceous perennial with a bad reputation of being one of the most toxic plants known to man.
Spring coralroot
It takes a keen observer to spot Spring coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana), a small terrestrial orchid whose colors provide expert camouflage against the leaf litter of the deciduous trees under which it grows.
Spurred butterfly-pea
Spurred butterfly-pea (Centrosema virginianum) is a trailing or climbing vine that occurs naturally in pine flatwoods, sandhills, coastal strands and interdunal swales. Its showy flowers typically bloom in summer.
St. Andrew’s cross
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 flowers
Standing cypress
Standing cypress (Ipomopsis rubra) blooms summer through fall and occurs naturally in sandhills, coastal strands, dunes and ruderal areas. It is very attractive to butterflies as well as other pollinators.
Starrush whitetop
Starrush whitetop (Rhynchospora colorata) is a unique and long-lived perennial sedge. It is known (and named) for its striking bracts that are often mistaken for a daisy-like flower.
Starry rosinweed
Starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus) is a robust perennial with showy yellow blooms. It is typically found in pine flatwoods, sandhills, open woodlands, mixed upland forests and disturbed or ruderal areas.
Stokes’ aster
Stokes’ aster (Stokesia leavis) typically blooms in spring and summer, but may bloom throughout the year, attracting a variety of bees, wasps and butterflies.
String lily
Also known as Seven sisters or Swamp lily, String lily (Crinum americanum) is an erect, emergent perennial with showy, fragrant blooms. It is found in wet hammocks, marshes, swamps, wetland edges, and along streams and rivers throughout Florida and the southeast United States. The bulbs and leaves are poisonous to humans, but are a favorite treat of lubber grasshoppers.
Summer farewell
Summer farewell (Dalea pinnata) blooms late summer through early fall. Its many flowers attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Its seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.
Summersweet
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is an excellent plant for wildlife. Its showy, sweet-scented flowers bloom spring through summer, attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Birds and small mammals consume the fruits.
Sundial lupine
Of Florida’s four native Lupine species, the Sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) has a unique style, from its ombré blooms that transition from light blue to violet purple to its palmately compound leaves.