Native plants have evolved to live in Florida’s hot summers. Many can take the heat and thrive. Here’s a short list of the many native wildflowers, ground covers, and grasses that are part of our ecosystems. Along with native shrubs and trees they are adapted to our climate and are essential to wildlife.

Along sunny highways and power line easements you might see Coreopsis, our state wildflower. Several species are native to Florida and perhaps the most common is Leavenworth’s tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii). The bright yellow flowers attract small butterflies and native bees. This tickseed can spread by reseeding if given enough space.
Recognized by yellow flowers with a black center, Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) has a natural range throughout Florida. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, other pollinators, and even small birds. This plant blooms from spring through fall and can hold up to long, dry periods.


One of our native milkweeds, Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), can take the heat and very long dry periods. Its bright orange flowers attract butterflies and native bees. It is a host plant for queen, soldier, and monarch caterpillars.
Striking flowers bloom from late spring to fall on Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata). Pink to purple bracts (modified leaves) and white flowers with purple spots attract butterflies, moths, bees, and hummingbirds. The plant contains thymol, the oil in thyme and oregano. It is a wonderful addition to pollinator and herb gardens.


Replacing sections of a lawn with native ground covers reduces maintenance, fertilizer, and water use. A good choice for sandy soils is Beach morning glory (Ipomoea imperati). Its showy white flowers can be seen on long stems in sandy soils in coastal areas throughout the state. Very heat and drought tolerant, this plant attracts a variety of beneficial insects.
Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) has pink “powder puff” flowers that are pollinated by bees. As a native ground cover, it spreads easily, but can be kept in place with trimming. It needs adequate water while establishing, then do well in dry soils.


The purplish plumes of Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) provide a gorgeous display of fall color. This hardy, native Florida grass offers good cover for wildlife, seeds for small birds and, like other native grasses, its roots help stabilize the soil.
Local native plant nurseries are a great place to get information and buy plants and seeds native to your region. Planting natives has many benefits. Native plants create habitat for native wildlife, reduce urban heat islands, and manage stormwater runoff. Gardens, yards, schools, and parks can all be essential spaces which provide habitat to support and protect native wildlife.
Did you know that you can also purchase native plants online and make a significant impact on your community’s biodiversity while supporting our organization? Thanks to our partnership with Garden For Wildlife, a portion of your online purchase is donated to the Florida Wildlife Federation, aiding our mission to protect and preserve Florida’s wildlife and natural habitats.

By choosing to buy native plants through our link, you’re making a positive impact on both the planet and your community, helping to support local conservation efforts while beautifying your own green space!