Native Species Spotlight- Pineland Acacia

Pineland Acacia
(Acacia pinetorum)

A wonderful, hardy native shrub, the Pineland Acacia adds beauty and texture to native gardens. With it’s zig zag branches and bright yellow pom pom-like flowers, this shrub makes a great addition to borders and fence lines. Its greatest asset, however, is the fantastic fragrance the flowers exude when in bloom. A single Pineland Acacia can make your whole garden smell wonderful.

It’s usefulness is not limited to it’s aesthetics, however. It is the primary larval host plant of the nickerbean blue butterfly (Hemiargus ammon) and the foliage is utilized by the endangered key deer found in the Florida Keys. This acacia also features hardy spines which can act as an effective barrier. It is often used in fence rows to discourage unwanted guests.

Pineland Acacia is available through native plant nurseries and is also readily propagated from seeds or cuttings. It is a very drought tolerate shrub that requires no additional water once established. It flourishes best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.

Native Species Spotlight- Spotted Bee Balm

(Monarda punctata)

 Native FAC

If you are trying to attract pollinators to your garden, this Native Species Spotlight is for you. Spotted Bee Balm lives up to its name; this attractive plant will be buzzing with honey bees and native pollinators in no time. It is a hardy, prolific plant that can withstand drought conditions and does not require watering after establishment. Bloom colors vary from dark pink to almost white and is a show stopper when the whole plant is bedecked with blooms. Another bonus of Spotted Bee Balm that we had not anticipated when we first planted it in our wildflower garden was the amazing subtle scent that the flowers give off. Our whole wildflower garden was permeated by its sweetness. No wonder it is so attractive to bees and other pollinators.

 It’s no secret, with Colony Collapse Disorder and other factors threatening the survival of bees, that populations are in decline. Providing native food sources for bees and other native pollinators has never been more important.

 Spotted Bee Balm thrives is full sun to part shade and requires moist, well-drained sandy soils. It is a great companion plant for many garden vegetables, including tomatoes. Spotted Bee Balm is available through local native plant nurseries and grows readily from seed.

Native Species Spotlight: Dense Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

A wonderful addition to any wildflower or butterfly garden is the Dense Gayfeather. Despite its delicate appearance up close, this species is remarkably hardy. It can withstand extreme heat and periods of drought as well as cooler temperatures and abundant rain, making it ideal for the beginning gardener. Gayfeather also is irresistible to bees and butterflies. Dense gayfeather blooms through fall and summer, sending up multiple stalks loaded with tiny purple-pink flower heads. Individual stalks can reach 3 feet in height, which makes it an ideal backdrop for native grasses and other wildflowers. It can be readily grown from seed and is easily propagated by the home gardener.

This species of liatris grows best in full sun and requires no supplemental water after establishment.

(Native- FAC)

What’s Blooming in the Bioswale- Scarlet Hibiscus

One of the most striking blooms native to Florida is the Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus).  It’s brilliant red flowers can reach the size of a human hand and create a show-stopping display when planted in clusters.  The plant itself grows into a shrub-like formation with multiple flower spikes in subsequent years.  The Scarlet Hibiscus is a moisture loving plant that is ideal for rain gardens and bioswales.  It can also be grown successfully in a patio pot.  If grown in a pot it is recommended to have a catch tray beneath the pot which can act as a reservoir for water.  The Scarlet Hibiscus blooms well in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade.

Native Species Spotlight: Ohio Spiderwort

Ohio Spiderwort
(Tradescantia ohiensis)

Native FAC


A beautiful addition to your native landscape is Ohio Spiderwort. Don’t let the name mislead you, Ohio Spiderwort is native to Florida and is a lovely flowering plant despite is odd name. (The name “spiderwort” refers to its historical medicinal use for spider bites.)

Spiderwort has wonderful silvery grass-like foliage with brilliantly blue tri-lobed flowers. Though the flowers themselves are short-lived, blooming in the early morning and fading by afternoon, the plant will flower for a few months in early spring. Once common on wetland margins and ditchbanks, Ohio spiderwort is making a comeback in native landscapes. A native perennial plant about 2 feet in height with sprawling grassy foliage. This spiderwort prefers moist areas but will survive periods of drought. It will bloom nicely in full sun to part shade.