Wildflower Seeds Native to Florida

Butterfly weed is a wildflower native to Florida.

Florida is one of the most floristically diverse states in the United States, with thousands of species of native wildflowers. Many organizations, such as the Florida Wildflower Foundation, are striving to keep Florida's native wildflowers blooming.

Definition of Wildflower

A true native Florida wildflower, according to Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., belongs to the the class of flowering herbaceous plant species included in the total of 2,800 native plants listed for the state of Florida, which also includes shrubs, vines, ferns and grasses. These wildflowers were in Florida prior to European contact.

Examples of Native Florida Wildflowers

A wide range of native wildflowers exists in Florida, which are well adapted to the state's soil types and climate and which provide food and shelter for wildlife. Some examples include white swamp milkweed, bushy aster, Leavenworth's tickseed, button sage, seaside goldenrod, firebush, sparkleberry, butterflyweed and Indian blanket.

Seed Sources

Native Florida wildflower seeds are available from cooperative groups of farmers working in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The seeds are available in packets or in bulk.

References

• Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative: Florida Wildflowers
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: Species Information
• Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.: Florida Wildflowers
• Florida Museum of Natural History: Wildflowers