Determination is an often underappreciated but essential component of a successful community native plant demonstration garden, and the garden at Tom Petty Park is a great example of how good leadership and persistence pay off.
As cooler temperatures begin to sneak in and provide a much-needed break from summer’s heat and humidity, fall is the perfect time to get back out in the garden to enjoy wildflowers and wildlife, do some maintenance and get planting!
Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata ) is one of the smaller, more delicate native milkweeds and is easily overlooked when not in bloom. It flowers late spring through summer and into early fall.
Rice button aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum) is a profuse bloomer with small flowers that attract a plethora of pollinators including butterflies and native bees.
Melittidae, or oil-collecting bees, are considered to be one of the most ancient bee families. In fact, the oldest known fossil of any bee is thought to be about 100 million years old, and contains a specimen from this family.
The Eucerini tribe is collectively referred to as the “long-horned bees,” but some genera within this tribe have other common names such as squash bees and sunflower bees.
Many of Florida’s spring native wildflowers have large, showy flowers. But some small common ones may be underappreciated. However, they are quite beautiful when viewed close up.
Southeastern blueberry bees are our most efficient blueberry pollinators, but they are only active for a short period of time in early spring!
Mona Johnston joined the Florida Wildflower Foundation board in September 2023, bringing with her an extensive knowledge and legacy of conserving South Florida’s native wildflowers.
In the spring, many Florida roadsides and natural areas are painted yellow with showy Coreopsis, commonly known as tickseed. Florida’s state wildflower, five of our 12 native species bloom in spring.
In 2010, Leon County became a pioneer in Florida by adopting a wildflower resolution to preserve native wildflowers on roadsides. They have recently revitalized and expanded the program. Check out the latest update!
A passion for our native wildflowers is fundamental to everything we do — and we’re committed to sharing knowledge that fosters both appreciation and action.
