Dr. Loran Anderson is a professor emeritus in the department of biological science at Florida State University in Tallahassee. His research has focused on plant taxonomy and systematics in the Florida Panhandle and elsewhere.
Goldenrod soldier beetles ( Chauliognathus pensylvanicus) are pollinators and predators of pesky garden pests. They are found throughout Florida and most of the United States.
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.
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.
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.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation has received a $17,000 grant from Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust for its project, “20 Easy Wildflowers to Grow Now!” It includes a publication, continuing education courses for horticultural professionals, and live social media events.
The Florida Wildflower Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grants. Nine grants were awarded for projects from Palm Beach County in South Florida to Santa Rosa County in the Panhandle.
The Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) is gentle and solitary, preferring flight over fight. These wasps can be seen nectaring from wildflowers in the summer months.
The Great purple hairstreak is a relatively large butterfly that can often be found in oak hammocks. Oddly, Great purple hairstreaks can be identified by the iridescent blue, not purple, on the upper side of their wings.
This bloom report is from fall 2019. Because much of Florida experienced a prolonged hot, dry spell in September, the best show is expected to be in south Central Florida and southward, which received more rain.
