Bloom Report: Spotlight on Butterflies
Pollinators and the native plants that support them have come to the forefront this year. The showiest of the pollinators are the butterflies, which often are seen flitting around native wildflowers.
Pollinators and the native plants that support them have come to the forefront this year. The showiest of the pollinators are the butterflies, which often are seen flitting around native wildflowers.
As you return to the garden after the last two months of unbearable heat, biting bugs and sweat, you’ll probably encounter a lot of overgrown stems. Cut those back to their base to freshen up the plant for winter.
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.
Named for its frantic flight patterns, the Whirlabout (Hedone vibex) is one of several tiny skippers that can be found “whirling” through wildflower patches across the state.
Spring and fall wildflowers can be spectacular with a plethora of yellow and purple flowers, but summer seems to offer a wider diversity of colorful, showy wildflowers along roadsides.
This bloom report is from spring 2015. In the Apalachicola National Forest, drive County Road 375 (Smith Creek Road) from SR 20 in Leon County to Sopchoppy in Wakulla County to see stately purple lady lupine in sandy soil and a variety of carnivorous plants.
FWF member Chris Waltz is known to many in native plant circles because of the supporting role he plays in conferences and other events. Here is what Chris has to say about his involvement with the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Viceroy and Monarch butterflies are distantly related through the family Nymphalidae. They have evolved to mimic each other through Mullerian mimicry. Although they are similar, you can spot the differences in a few ways.
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.
This bloom report is from fall 2020. Fall is a time to look for showy displays of native wildflowers and grasses this fall, such as Blazing star.
Welcome to the Ethnobotanical Garden at Ellis Acres This ethnobotanical garden showcases Florida’s rich native plant heritage, highlighting species valued both by wildlife and humans for their ecological and cultural significance. Each species in this garden plays an essential role in local ecosystems, offering food, shelter and habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Many…
The Panhandle’s plentiful public lands and rural roadsides make it a wonderful place to see wildflowers. Learn what’s blooming and where with this helpful brochure.