Bees and butterflies have 3 acres of new native habitat, thanks to Lake County Parks and Trails and the Florida Wildflower Foundation, which have partnered to develop pollinator habitat along the multiuse Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail north of Orlando.
A stretch of shoreline along Lake May will soon be aflutter with butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other native pollinators thanks to Lake County Parks and Trails and the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Perennial saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum tenuifolium) is one of the few large-flowered species present among the grasses and rushes of the salt marsh. It plays an important ecological role for native bees!
Kelly supports the Foundation because it grows her network of native plant and ecological experts, educates her with seminars and makes it super easy to access wildflower information.
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.
As one of our most ubiquitous native plants, it is easy to see why Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) is Florida’s state tree. Also known as Cabbage palm, this evergreen fan palm occurs nearly throughout Florida.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is an interesting native plant with quite a history! Found throughout Florida, it grows in woodlands and disturbed sites. The plant has significant wildlife value for pollinators and birds alike.
Occurring naturally in woodlands, thickets and maritime forests, Yellow passionflower (Passiflora lutea) is a beautiful, if unassuming, native vine. It blooms in summer, setting fruit in fall and is wonderful for an array of wildlife.
If you are tired of mowing, watering and fertilizing the lawn, consider replacing your turf grass with Oblongleaf twinflower (Dyschoriste oblongifolia), an easy-to-care-for native groundcover.
Woodland poppymallow (Callirhoe papaver) is one of Florida’s most unique native wildflowers, with cup-like crimson blooms that resemble a challis of red wine. The flowers attract a variety of bees, which are their primary pollinator.
Florida’s wildflowers don’t always follow the rules. In this summer bloom report we’re featuring a few fun, weird and wonderful facts about some quirky native blooms!
Poaceae is a large and diverse plant family comprising more than 11,000 species of grasses worldwide. There are around 500 species found in Florida, nearly half of which are non-native.
