Coastalplain balm
Coastalplain balm is a striking wildflower found in sandhill and scrub habitats. When in bloom, a single plant may have up to 100 or more bright to pale pink flowers. This creates beautiful fields abuzz with happy bees feasting on nectar and pollinating the plants. Not only is this scene pleasant on the eyes, but the plants also have a wonderful minty aroma that fills the air around them.
Coastalplain goldenaster
Coastalplain goldenaster (Chrysopsis scabrella) occurs naturally in sandhills, scrub, flatwoods and ruderal areas. It typically blooms from late summer into late fall but can bloom year-round.
Cocoplum
Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) produces flowers and fruits throughout the year. Its dense foliage and substantial fruit provide cover and food for many birds and small wildlife.
Comfortroot
Comfortroot (Hibiscus aculeatus) is a large perennial wildflower with showy cream-colored flowers. They typically bloom late spring through fall and attract many pollinators, especially bees.
Common blue violet
Common blue violet (Viola sororia) is aptly named as it is the violet that is most common throughout Florida and is often seen in cultivated lawns.
Common sneezeweed
Common sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is an herbaceous perennial with cheerful yellow flowers. It typically blooms spring through fall, attracting moths, butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects.
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.
Coralbean
Also known as Cardinal spear or Cherokee bean, Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) is a semi-deciduous to evergreen woody shrub. It produces red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Corkystem passionflower
While Corkystem passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) may not have the showiest flowers in its family, it is known for being one of the best at attracting butterflies!
Corn snakeroot
Corn snakeroot (Eryngium aquaticum) typically blooms summer through late fall. Its spiny blue to lavender flowers attract a plethora of pollinators, especially bees.
Cowhorn orchid
Cowhorn orchid (Cyrtopodium punctatum) is a stunning epiphytic wildflower that occurs in swamps and coastal uplands in South Florida. It typically grows on Cypress (Taxodium spp.) and Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) trees. Florida’s once-abundant population was largely depleted in the early 20th century due to overcollection and habitat destruction. It is now a state-listed endangered species. The plant blooms in late winter through spring, with peak blooming in May.
Creeping cucumber
Creeping cucumber (Melothria pendula) is a delicate vine that creeps along the forest floor and will also climb into nearby shrubs and trees. Blooming in summer through fall, it produces tiny yellow flowers and miniature watermelon-looking fruits.
Creeping woodsorrel
Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a ground-hugging native with distinct clover-like leaves and sunny yellow flowers. It flowers and fruits mostly in spring, but may bloom year-round.
Crested fringed orchid
Crested fringed orchid (Platanthera cristata) is a state-threatened terrestrial orchid found in wet prairies, seepage bogs, ditches and wet pine flatwoods. Its bright yellow to light orange flowers bloom in summer, peaking in August
Crimsoneyed rosemallow
In early to mid-summer, North Florida wetlands and roadside ditches are adorned with the big brilliant white flowers of Crimsoneyed rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). This wildflower blooms profusely and has an abundance of wildlife value.
Crossvine
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) puts on a spectacular spring display of orange tubular flowers. They are mainly pollinated by hummingbirds but attract some butterflies, as well.
Crowpoison
The beautiful spring blooms of Crowpoison (Stenanthium densum) stand out among its lower-growing wildflower counterparts in savannahs, wet flatwoods, bogs and even moist roadsides. This winter-dormant forb responds especially well to fire, after which large colonies can be seen in full bloom.
Curtiss’ milkweed
Curtiss’ milkweed (Asclepias curtissii) is a long-lived and somewhat mysterious milkweed endemic to the Florida scrub.
Dense gayfeather
Dense gayfeather (Liatris spicata) has striking spikes of purple flowers that bloom late summer through fall and are excellent attractors of butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects.
Dimpled troutlily
For only a few months of very early spring, Dimpled troutlilies can be found blanketing the ground of sloped deciduous forests throughout the southeastern US. Listed as state-endangered, Florida’s populations are rare and limited to three counties in the Panhandle.
Dogtongue wild buckwheat
Even cat people love Dogtongue wild buckwheat (Eriogonum tomentosum)! This herbaceous perennial produces a plethora of white to pinkish flowers in late summer and fall. You’ll find it blooming in sandhills, scrub and pinelands in the Panhandle and north and central peninsula. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including the thread-waisted wasp and tiphiid wasp.
Drumheads
Drumheads (Polygala cruciata) is a low-growing wildflower with small but showy pink flowerheads that bloom from late spring through fall.
Dune sunflower
Dune (or beach) sunflower (Helianthus debilis) typically flowers in summer, but may bloom year-round. Its bright yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, moths and bees.
Dwarf huckleberry
Dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa) is a low-growing colonial shrub found in pine savannas, flatwoods, sandhills and scrub throughout much of Florida. The plant is a larval host for the woodland elfin butterfly. Its spring flowers are attractive to pollinators, especially native and honey bees, and its juicy summer fruits are a delight for birds, small mammals and humans! Try them raw or make them into a jam or pie filling.