The Lazy Naturalist

The Re-Enchantment of Nature - Sarasota, Florida

Plants of Florida

    Sandhill St. John’s-Wort (Hypericum tenuifolium)

    Commonly known as Sandhill St. John’s-Wort or Low St. John’s-Wort, this species is a testament to the evolutionary brilliance of Florida’s upland flora. While many members of the Hypericum genus prefer the soggy margins of cypress domes or wet prairies, H. tenuifolium has carved out a niche in the most well-drained, sun-scorched soils the Sunshine […]

    Yellow Bachelor’s Button (Senega rugelii)

    The Yellow Bachelor’s Button (Senega rugelii), also commonly known as Rugel’s Milkwort, is a quiet but radiant protagonist in the narrative of Florida’s flatwoods. Found nowhere else on Earth, this endemic species serves as a botanical signature of the peninsula’s unique hydrological and fire-driven ecosystems. To understand Senega rugelii is to understand the delicate balance […]

    Sword Fern (Nephrolepis)

    The genus Nephrolepis, commonly known as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a staple of Florida’s landscape. Yet, within this single genus lies a dramatic contrast: a beloved native species providing critical habitat, and an aggressive, “tuberous” imposter that is systematically dismantling local ecosystems. Understanding the Sword Fern in Florida requires peeling back the […]

    Golden Polypody Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

    This lush, evergreen fern, with its vibrant golden fronds and unique growth habits, is a true gem of Florida’s woodlands and swamps. Its elegant appearance and fascinating ecological role make it a favorite among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. From its distinctive physical characteristics to its crucial role in Florida’s ecosystems, the Golden Polypody Fern […]

    Cardinal Airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata)

    This striking epiphyte, with its vibrant inflorescence and intricate growth patterns, is a captivating presence in the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes. Found adorning tree branches and trunks, the Cardinal Airplant is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of nature. From its vivid appearance to its crucial ecological roles, this airplant is a fascinating subject […]

    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 […]

    Filed Under: Flowers 

    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.

    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.

    Filed Under: Plants 

    Ballmoss (Tillandsia recurvata)

    Despite its name, Ballmoss is neither a true moss nor a parasite, but an epiphyte—a plant that grows on other plants for physical support without drawing nutrients from its host. Found throughout the southeastern United States and thriving in Florida’s diverse climates, Ballmoss is a fascinating example of nature’s adaptability and complexity. A Curious Appearance […]

    ×