Download Wildflowers bring beauty and function to the natural world If you`re a

Wildflowers bring beauty and function to the natural world If you’re a nature lover like me, this may be one of your favorite times of year. The rains bring out hundreds of wildflowers. They are popping out all over the natural areas and the ground is colored with yellow, orange, purple, blue, red, and white flowers of every size and shape imaginable. Adding to the beauty of this colorful array is the butterflies and other insects that are attracted to the pollen and nectar within the blooms. Wildflowers not only provide beauty to our world, they provide for the needs of many creatures within their ecosystems. Wildflowers increase plant and animal diversity. They help insects and smaller animals move through natural corridors, providing life‐saving cover. Flowers provide food for pollinating species. The hundreds of varieties of wildflowers in Florida are diverse and beautiful; there is truly something for everybody to enjoy. Gaillardia pulchella is a hardy, colorful plant known for its beautiful, daisy‐like flowers. The large center is a dark rose color with petals of yellow, orange, crimson or copper scarlet. Gaillardia blooms profusely. The plant is named for the 18th century French magistrate, M. Gaillard de Charentonneau, who was deemed a patron of botany. The common name of Indian Blanket is taken from the blanket type patterns they make when planted in the ground, which resemble blankets made by Native Americans. Gaillardia is in the Asteraceae family and its blooms measure about 2‐3 inches across. The perennial plant forms wiry, branched stems that form into mounds which can be anywhere from 8 – 24 inches high and can spread throughout the planted area. The plant has a hairy stem which branches out and becomes woody at the base. They do well in sandy areas and are even tolerant of salt, which is why they are often seen along borders near beaches. The leaves are lanceolate to linear basal and the plant produces bright, daisy like blooms in shades of red, yellow, buff and brown. Bina Flower Moth larvae and other types of moth larvae feed on the plant. In addition, it is attractive to various butterflies as a nectar source. White tail deer have been seen nibbling on the leaves of this eye‐
catching plant and the seeds are taken by small ground feeding birds, notably goldfinches. Indian blanket is a major wildflower of the prairies and meadows. It reseeds readily and is easy to grow; good drainage is the only requirement. Rich soils will produce large, floppy plants with few flowers. This is an excellent choice for gardeners who want some color in their gardens with very little maintenance. It is ideal in our sandy soils and in drought conditions. This plant is a great addition to any garden. Milkweed is another brightly colored bloom found in Florida. Named for its milky juice which consists of a latex containing alkaloids and several other complex compounds including cardenolides, some species are known to be toxic. The plant genus was named for the Greek god of healing, Asclepius, because for centuries it has been used as a medicine in many cultures. Common Milkweed can grow up to six feet tall with narrow leaves that can reach 10 inches in length. The flowers vary in color and can be orange‐ yellow or pinkish‐purple. It has large, broad leaves, usually four to ten inches long. Milkweed is found in fields and along road sides. The milkweed bloom is an important nectar source for many insects including bees. It is also a vital larval food for monarch butterflies, beetles, moths and other bugs. These creatures are immune to the toxins of the plant and depend on it to survive. Milkweed makes and excellent addition to any garden. It attracts monarch butterflies and when in bloom is quite attractive. Dwarf firebush is native to central and south Florida hammocks and open disturbed areas. It is a fast growing evergreen shrub that can grow to heights of 6 to 12 feet. The leaves have red veins and the stalks of the plant are also red. The one‐inch long tubular flowers are found in clusters. The small berries begin as green, turn to yellow, then to red and finally to black. They are a source of food for many birds. The plant will have berries or flowers year round. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the nectar of the attractive, tubular flowers. The blackened berries that the plant produces are a favorite of cardinals. In addition to being an animal attractor, the plant can take the heat and drought. Considered a nearly “trouble free” bush that produces beautiful, orange‐red flowers, firebush is a great addition to most any garden. It is a subtropical plant and does not like the cold weather very much. But, if frost or a freeze occurs, the plant will usually appear to die, however in reality the plant is most likely alive and will re‐sprout in the spring. It is considered low maintenance and is adapted to local Florida soils and climate. It is an excellent choice as a background for lower growing plants. The beauty of wildflowers is that you can view them in their natural environment and you can bring the beauty to your own yard. These natives are sold in most nurseries and are an excellent choice for the gardener that desires low maintenance, beautiful plants. The bonus is the animals that are attracted to the blooms. There are literally hundreds of varieties of wildflowers in Florida. Whether you choose to gaze upon them in their natural environment or in your own back yard, enjoy!