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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbushes are very common around Sarasota, blooming in the warmer months. A truly remarkable flower!
Pine Lily (Lilium catesbaei)
September & October are the blooming months for the beautiful native Pine Lily, which can be seen in the dry prairie and other damp areas around Sarasota. This flower is a perennial secret kept from snowbirds because it would be very unusual to see it after the month of October. Most recently, I have seen […]