The Lazy Naturalist

The Nature of Sarasota, Florida, & Beyond

Flora & Fauna

    Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum)

    Introduction Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum), known for its star-shaped flowers and intoxicating fragrance, holds a special place in gardens and hearts worldwide. This evergreen vine, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, has become a beloved ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Florida. Its delicate beauty and heady scent have made […]

    Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

    Common in Florida and all up and down the US east coast, the red maple (or swamp maple) will remind northern transplants of their precious fall colors. If you miss maple trees while you’re in Florida — here’s your answer! Florida’s Red Maple: A Naturalist’s Delight Introduction Greetings, nature enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an […]

    Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

    This plant is very common in the dry prairie, and its crushed leaves have a distinct pleasant aroma. As a naturalist, the privilege of wandering through Florida’s diverse landscapes reveals endless wonders, each with its own story to tell. Among the many remarkable plants that grace this region, the Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) stands […]

    Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium)

    Very common around Sarasota, particularly in disturbed areas like roadsides and trails. Take a small piece — crush and sniff — for a unique aroma, somewhat like dill.

    Florida panther (P. c. couguar)

    Greetings, fellow nature aficionados! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an adventure through the wild heart of Florida to get acquainted with one of its most fascinating inhabitants: the Florida Panther. This magnificent big cat is the ultimate blend of stealth, beauty, and raw power, and it’s got a story that’s as thrilling […]

    Goldenrod (Solidago)

    In the right season, you’ll see goldenrod crying out yellow all over the place, and it certainly helps that there are well over a hundred species around. I see goldenrod in Florida and in New England, and everywhere between, I can’t pretend to say which species I’m looking at it any given time — but […]

    Rough Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

    These look like tiny bamboo tree trunks, and I’ve seen them infrequently, but up and down the US east coast, as well as in Florida. Like ferns, they reproduce with spores instead of seeds.

    Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

    Red foxes live throughout North America (including Florida!) and I continue to be thrilled every time I see one. In addition to being amazing creatures in their own right, they have a great history with humans in myth and story.

    Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

    This sleek, powerful fish is a favorite among anglers and an integral part of Florida’s vibrant marine ecosystems. From its striking appearance and fascinating behavior to its role in both ecology and culture, the Common Snook is a true icon of Florida’s coastal waters. Let’s dive into the life, habits, and significance of this remarkable […]

    Firefly (Lampyridae)

    It’s hard to think of anything that captured my imagination as a child more than fireflies, and summer nights in Maryland were filled with the flashing lights of these remarkable insects. I hadn’t seen or thought about them for years, but now in Goshen, Connecticut, I am again lucky to see them crowd the darkness.

    Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

    There are Carolina Wrens all over Sarasota, and if you can’t see them, you can hear them. They are relatively tame, and tend to fly into houses to check things out more than any other bird.