South Florida Plant Guide Identification
There are a great number of plants that are native to Florida. Being able to identify which plants are most common in southern Florida can help gardeners plan gardens that incorporate native species. These varieties are both attractive and, because of their native growth, tend to have greater success in the habitat. The University of Southern Florida breaks the 146 plants native to southern Florida into six categories by which they can be identified. Does this Spark an idea?
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Wildflowers
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The Florida landscape is rich with wildflowers. Wildflowers that are native to the Florida landscape typically prefer full sun exposure on light shade. Their salt tolerance is largely dependent on their proximity to the coast. Wildflowers that are native to coastal areas have a relatively high salt tolerance while those found farther inland are typically less tolerant. Native wildflowers can be identified by their specific bloom shape, bloom color and foliage.
Shrubs
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Shrubs native to southern Florida tend to be extremely drought tolerant. They require well-drained soil, preferring a high sand content. Some native shrubs, like the cinnecord, are considered endangered and are protected by law, and so are not appropriate for domesticated growth and gardening. Shrubs are typically identified by the overall shape of the mature plant, the leaves, and the shape and color of any fruit or flower it produces.
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Trees
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All the trees in southern Florida fall into one of three main categories; deciduous, semi-deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous trees drop all foliage in the fall. Semi-deciduous go partially dormant and may change colors in the fall, but do not go into a full winter dormancy. Evergreen trees keep foliage and green coloration, continuing growth and reproduction year round. Small trees may only get 10 to 20 feet tall, while the largest varieties can reach 75 to 80 feet at maturity. Trees are commonly identified first by class, and then by foliage and bark characteristics.
Palms
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Palms are a coastal plant and all varieties are extremely salt tolerant. Palms are easy to identify because of the fan-like leaves and distinctive bark type. All palms produce fruit, but the size and color vary significantly between varieties. All palms, except the Florida thatch palm, have a silver cast to the underside of leaves. The Florida thatch palm is unique in that both sides of its leaves are a vibrant green. Characteristics used to identify palm varieties include size, fruit, leaf shape, and bark color and texture.
Ground Cover
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Most native ground covers can be defined as either grasses or ferns. Grasses are typically well suited to locations in full sun and grow in tufts. The identifying characteristic of grasses include blade width, mature height, seed type and color. Ferns grow as single leaves. Varieties are commonly identified by leaf height, width and color.
Vines
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Vining plants native to southern Florida all grow well in full sun to light shade. They sprawl across or up a host surface for 10 to 20 feet. Vines are identified by their vining pattern, foliage and bloom.
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References
Resources
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