Featured area Featured

N

Wildflower destinations Wildflower

oad oad

Beac oad Beac Beac oad Beac Ligtouse Ligtouse

Waulla Waulla

Federal Lands and Forests and Lands Federal

d d

a a

State Lands and Forests and Lands State

o o

e e

e e

r r

C C

t t

i i

County boundaries County

S S

Big Bend Scenic Byway Scenic Bend Big

Wildflower routes Wildflower

MyFWC.org/viewing/where

FloridaStateParks.org FloridaStateParks.org

VisitFlorida.com

FlaWildflowers.org

Learn more Learn

rural roads. rural

Interstate 10 and spring and fall flowers along many many along flowers fall and spring and 10 Interstate

flourish. You’ll frequently see spring wildflowers along along wildflowers spring see frequently You’ll flourish.

There are many other roadsides where wildflowers wildflowers where roadsides other many are There

are managed for naturally occurring wildflowers. wildflowers. occurring naturally for managed are This map features wildflower viewing areas that that areas viewing wildflower features map This

The Florida Panhandle – Visit the Panhandle wildflower web page, a great place to see native wildflowers FlaWildflowerTrips.org, to see prime viewing spots and The Florida Panhandle’s high percentage of public lands makes photos submitted by visitors and residents. it a splendid place to see wildflowers in natural ecosystems. The best places to see showy wildflowers are rural areas These holdings include the Apalachicola National Forest, a (especially moist ones), recently burned natural areas number of state forests and wildlife management areas, large and infrequently mowed roadsides. natural areas surrounding two US Air Force bases, and land owned by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Please don’t pick wildflowers. If you want to preserve Private conservation organizations such as Tall Timbers Re- your memories, take a picture — it will last longer. search Station and Land Conservancy and The Nature Conser- Picking flowers reduces a species’ ability to sustain itself. Large stands of wildflowers that appear after fire often are easily viewed from roadsides, forest roads and trailstrails. vancy also own and/or manage substantial acreage. Picking the flowers of endangered or threatened species Photo by John Moran is illegal (see Florida Statute 581.185 Preservation of Native wildflowers are recognized in Florida’s state seal because Most of this land is routinely managed by prescribed fire, Celebrating 500 years of La Florida native flora of Florida). Spread the beauty — send your of their cultural significance to its indigenous people and settlers. which promotes the growth of native wildflowers and On Easter Sunday in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted land near what is now St. photos to [email protected]. Augustine. He dubbed it La Florida — “land of flowers” — in honor of Spain’s Easter celebration. The land’s What is a native wildflower? grasses. Soil characteristics also are key. Many wildflowers thrive in the moist, slightly acidic fine-sand soils abundant Stopping on the road or shoulder to view or photograph abundant spring wildflowers may also have influenced the name choice. In general, the Florida Wildflower Foundation defines “Florida in the Panhandle. In addition, cool winters, warm summers wildflowers can be hazardous to you and other native wildflowers” as any flowering herbaceous species Hundreds of years later, the number of wildflowers that thrive in wild places and along roadsides and and plentiful rainfall (more than 60 inches annually) help motorists. Many Panhandle roadsides have pullouts that grew wild within the state’s natural ecosystems in the support wildflower growth. where you can park to explore the roadside. trails is greatly diminished. However, many organizations and agencies now are working to conserve and 1560s when Florida’s first botanical records were created. preserve wildflowers, especially along roadsides. Also recognized as native are flowering plants and grasses For more information on Florida’s native wildflowers, introduced before that time by Native Americans through visit the Florida Wildflower Foundation website, travel and trade, and wildflowers introduced without aid of FlaWildflowers.org. The Florida Department of Transportation’s Wildflower Efforts to beautify roadsides with wildflowers began with local human intervention. garden and civic clubs. A statewide effort took root in the 1960s Management Program, which was created in 2004 and when motorists gave rave reviews to non-native Crimson clover, revised in 2014 in response to increased interest and Get Involved Conserve, preserve, protect Acknowledgments which cropped up in sod planted by the Florida Department of enthusiasm for roadside wildflowers. Help preserve Florida’s native wildflowers on roadsides by This brochure was made possible through funding Transportation on US Highway 27 south of Tallahassee. The development of a native wildflower seed-production urging your county to adopt wildflower-friendly mowing provided by VISIT FLORIDA and the State Wildflower State Wildflower license plate Because native wildflowers are adapted to Florida’s climate, industry, which began in the late 1990s. practices. Visit the Florida Wildflower Foundation web site to license plate, with support from the Florida Wildflower Support Florida’s wildflowers, wildlife and wild places by soils, insects and diseases, roadside planting programs The Florida Federation of Garden download a county resolution to present. Support work for Foundation and the Florida Department of Agriculture purchasing the State Wildflower license plate! Each plate gradually have grown to include more of them. Naturally Clubs’ Paths of Sunshine Awards, wildflowers by purchasing a State Wildflower license plate or and Consumer Services. occurring wildflowers also are being managed with sold and renewed brings more flowers to Florida. Learn which recognize and promote the by making a donation to the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Support also was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation; more at FlaWildflowers.org. mowing practices that keep them flourishing. These conservation, restoration, Visit FlaWildflowers.org to learn more. Florida Scenic Highways Program; Apalachicola National Forest; Leon efforts have been supported by: management and planting of Wildflower viewing tips County; Visit Tallahassee (Leon County); Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce; Wakulla County Tourism Development Council; Gadsden The Florida State Wildflower license plate native plants and wildflowers on Spring and fall typically are the best seasons to view Photo by John Moran County Tourism Development Council; Big Bend Scenic Byway; Magnolia and the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Florida roadsides. showy stands of wildflowers, but check moist areas in Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society (Leon, Liberty counties); and which provide funds for native wildflower Coreopsis, commonly called Tickseed, was declared the summer for flowers such as meadowbeauty, hibiscus, Sarracenia Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society (Wakulla County). Florida’s State Wildflower in 1991. Sixteen species education, planting and research. occur in Florida. and rosegentian.

Scan for online version Common Panhandle Wildflowers

Conoclinium coelestinum Symphyotrichum adnatum Amsonia ciliata Salvia lyrata Carphephorus odoratissimus Blue mistflower Scaleleaf aster Fringed bluestar Lyreleaf sage Vanillaleaf Blue mistflower is a sure sign that This is one of several blue-flowered Two species of bluestar occur in the The lavender-blue flowers of Lyreleaf This single-stemmed, fall-blooming herb autumn has arrived, or is certainly asters found along Panhandle roadsides. Panhandle, one in wet woodlands, and sage often dominate early spring ranges from 1-4’ tall and has numerous not far away. Spreading rapidly by It is a low-growing species with tiny, the other along the backslope of dry, roadsides. Plants average 1-2’ tall with densely packed heads of tiny purple underground runners, this aggressive awl-shaped leaves that point upward sandy roadsides. The stem is about 2’ a single upright stalk and a whorl-like flowers. It typically occurs in large, herbaceous perennial forms large and tightly hug the stem. Chapman’s tall with very narrow leaves. It is topped cluster of ground-hugging leaves. conspicuous colonies that are especially colonies of 1-3’-tall plants. The aster (Symphyotrichum chapmanii) has by a showy cluster of pale blue to Spring notable when flowers are present. numerous compact heads of deep blue or similar flowers but grows much taller, bluish-white star-shaped flowers. It is known as vanillaleaf because of the purple flowers add significant charm to with a slender arching stem that is Spring scent of its leaves. October roadsides. nearly devoid of leaves. Fall Fall Spring, Summer, Fall

Liatris Cirsium Vernonia Lupinus villosus Monarda punctata Blazing star Thistle Ironweed Lady lupine Dotted horsemint About a dozen species of blazing stars The several thistles that occur along Ironweeds are tall, wispy plants with Lady lupine is one of the more common Dotted horsemint is worth stopping occur in the central Panhandle, all of Florida’s roadsides are among our most striking purple flowers and an upright of our native lupines. The dense cluster for. The large purplish-pink bracts and which have erect, spikelike inflores- distinctive wildflowers. Although their form. Plants average 3-5’ tall, usually of hairy, blue-gray leaves and erect 1-2’ spotted yellow flowers are exquisite cences. Species vary from 2-6’ tall and flower structure is similar, flower color with several upright stems. Some prefer spikes of lavender to pinkish flowers when seen close up, and the minty usually occur in showy colonies along can range from yellow to pinkish, dry sites, others moist roadsides. Look make a conspicuous display along dry, aroma only adds to the sensory appeal. moist or dry roadsides. The individual or purplish. Purple thistle (Cirsium for them in autumn. sandy roadsides. Handling any part of the plant can flowers are small, 5-lobed, and star- horridulum) is characterized by a Fall Spring impart a pleasing fragrance to the skin. shaped, which explains the common treacherous nest of prickly, leaflike Fall name. Pictured here is Chapman’s bracts under the flower head. blazing star (Liatris chapmanii). Spring, Summer Summer, Fall

Agalinis Rhexia Sabatia Coreopsis nudata Calopogon barbatus False foxglove Meadowbeauty Rosegentian Pink Coreopsis Grasspink orchid The attractive lavender or purple As their name suggests, meadowbeauties Rosegentians are summer delights. Our only pink-flowered Coreopsis is Several species of grasspink orchids flowers of our several false foxgloves are prefer treeless savannas, open bogs About a dozen species occur in the found mostly in the Panhandle. Plants occur along the routes recommended harbingers of autumn. Most begin to and sunny roadsides. There are about Panhandle, some with white flowers, can grow to 5’ tall and often occur in here. All have “upside-down” flowers, flower in late summer but are at their a dozen species, most of which have others with pink flowers. Roadside large showy colonies, with numerous with the lip petal pointing upward best in September and October. About a lavender or purple flowers with large species usually have five or 10 petals. flowerheads adding a conspicuous splash rather than downward. The patch dozen species occur in our region, many yellow hooklike anthers. They are Bartram’s rosegentian (Sabatia of color to wet ditches. Pink Coreopsis is of showy hairs at the top of the lip of which are difficult to distinguish one of our most abundant groups of decandra), pictured, is bright pink with common along several of this brochure’s resembles stamens and are an adapta- from each other. summer-blooming wildflowers. Nash’s 10 petals. recommended routes. tion designed to attract bees and other Summer, Fall meadowbeauty (Rhexia nashii) is Summer Spring pollinators. Pictured here is Bearded pictured here. grasspink orchid (Calopogon barbatus). Summer Spring

Ipomoea cordatotriloba Stenanthium densum Zephyranthes Eupatorium Baptisia alba Tievine Crowpoison, Osceola’s plume Rainlily Thoroughwort, Fennel White wild indigo Like the showy blossoms of most Natural and prescribed fire is a well- Rainlilies often flower immediately At least half of the nearly 20 This large, shrubby bean stands 3-4’ morning glories, Tievine flowers fade known wildflower catalyst. This is following a downpour. Two species occur thoroughworts that grace Florida’s tall. In early to mid-spring it produces quickly as the day progresses. Its flowers certainly true of Crowpoison, which in our region. Both have shiny green roadsides occur in the Panhandle. numerous tall, showy racemes of creamy are funnel-shaped, less than 2” long, sends up its slender 3’ stems and cone- grasslike leaves and white trumpet- All have tiny white flowers borne white pea flowers that are unmistakable. and range in color from pink to rose- shaped inflorescences within days or shaped flowers. One species grows along in congested heads at the top of a It prefers moist, open roadsides in full purple. It is conspicuous as it scrambles weeks following a growing season burn. the margins of moist roadside ditches, branched inflorescence. The species sun. over roadside vegetation in late summer The small individual flowers start out the other mostly in shady hardwood pictured here is Eupatorium perfoliatum, Mid-Spring and autumn. white, but turn purplish as they age. forests. They are very similar. Common boneset. Summer, Fall Spring Spring Summer, Fall

Erigeron Eriocaulon decangulare Eurybia eryngiifolia Rhynchospora latifolia Lachnanthes caroliana Daisy fleabane Tenangle pipewort Thistleleaf aster Whitetop sedge Redroot The daisy fleabanes are among the The erect 1-3’-tall arrow-straight The disheveled appearance of the thin Not many sedges make the list of showy Redroot makes its appearance in late most common roadside wildflowers. stem, topped by a buttonlike cluster creamy-white rays surrounding a dark- bloomers. Rhynchospora latifolia is one May, with its peak flowering in mid- to They are easily recognized by their of creamy-white flowers, suggests the brown center sets this species apart from of two species of Whitetop sedge that late June. Its 2’ stem is crowned by daisylike flowerheads with a dark center decorative pin used to hold a lady’s other asters. Its Florida range is restricted are the exceptions. The white structures a white and yellow inflorescence and surounded by numerous small, laterally hat to her head. These clump-forming to the several counties of the central below the flowers are actually leaflike is very showy. Large populations of spreading rays. At least four species perennials are denizens of wet roadside Panhandle, and it is common along bracts, but their effect is that of flower several hundred plants often occupy wet occur in the Panhandle. Early whitetop ditches and often occur in large, roadsides in early summer, especially in petals. roadside ditches and are easily spotted, fleabane (Erigeron vernus), pictured, conspicuous colonies. the Apalachicola National Forest. Spring, Summer even at highway speed. blooms in spring. Spring, Summer, Fall Spring, Summer Summer Spring, Summer

Lophiola aurea Pyrrhopappus carolinianus Hypericum Packera glabella Coreopsis Golden crest Carolina desert chicory St. John’s wort Butterweed Coreopsis, Tickseed This wetland-loving herb stands 1-3’ tall This yellow-flowered member of the More than 20 species of St. John’s wort Butterweed is one of our earliest Coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower. and prefers savannas and wet ditches. Aster family begins blooming as early occur in the Panhandle, many along blooming native wildflowers, sometimes Sixteen species occur in the state. The whitish, hairy stem supports a as February and continues throughout roadsides and woodland margins. All flowering as early as January. It stands Most, like this Lanceleaf Coreopsis branching inflorescence. The scientific the spring, even into mid-summer. have yellow 4- or 5-petaled flowers with about 2’ tall and prefers low roadsides (Coreopsis lanceolata), have yellow disk epithet aurea means golden, a fitting Its slender stem is about 2’ tall and is a brushlike mass of yellow stamens. and wet ditches. The golden flowers and flowers with ray flowers notched at description of the flower color. terminated by a dense head consisting Peelbark St. John’s wort (Hypericum deeply divided leaves are distinctive. the tips. Lanceleaf Coreopsis is one of Spring, Summer, Fall only of soft yellow ray flowers. Unlike fasciculatum), pictured, flowers in the Spring Florida’s more common, showy spring the Black-eyed Susan and most other spring. wildflowers. species in this family, the flower head Spring, Summer, Fall Spring, Summer, Fall lacks a central disk. Spring, Summer

Balduina Helianthus heterophyllus Rudbeckia mohrii Berlandiera pumila Aletris lutea Honeycombhead Sunflower Mohr’s coneflower Soft greeneyes Yellow colicroot Honeycombhead usually occurs in large This sunflower is among the showiest Several of our roadside Rudbeckias are Soft greeneyes takes its name from Yellow colicroot can dominate moist to showy populations, with thousands of Florida’s fall wildflowers, decorating immediately recognizable from their its flowerheads, which have a round wet roadsides during its mid- to late of plants stretching across the wet moist road shoulders and wet roadside resemblance to garden plants of the green disk at the center of eight bright spring flowering period. The stiffly savannas of the Apalachicola National ditches. The state is home to other same name. Most have a central conelike yellow rays. The stem is 8-32” tall with erect, 3’ stem arises from a flattened Forest. Two species occur in the Helianthus species, most of which have head surrounded by numerous yellow conspicuous 4” leaves. It is most often whorl of ground-hugging leaves and is Panhandle, including one that prefers yellow petals circling a brown or yellow rays. Mohr’s coneflower is one of our seen on dry, open, sandy roadsides. terminated by a spikelike inflorescence dry, sandy roadsides. Both bloom in center. The only exception is the Rayless showiest examples. Spring, Summer of bright yellow, tubular flowers. autumn. sunflower. Summer Spring Fall Fall

Helenium Solidago Sarracenia Platanthera Asclepias lanceolata Sneezeweed Goldenrod Pitcherplants Fringed and Fringeless orchid Lanceleaf milkweed Several species of sneezeweed are The narrow spikelike inflorescencs of Northwest Florida is well known Several of these upright, 1-3’-tall Milkweeds are most easily recognized found along Florida roadsides. Savanna goldenrods give them their common for its assortment of insectivorous orchids can be found along moist or by their unique flowers and best known sneezeweed (Helenium vernale), name. They are among our most pitcherplants, at least four species boggy roadsides, especially in the Apala- for their attractiveness to butterflies. pictured, is about 3’ tall and blooms in recognized native wildflowers and of which can be seen along our chicola National Forest. Flower color Some are low-growing; others tall and mid-spring. It is typical of the group. At usually bloom in the fall. Species vary recommended roadsides. The trumpet- ranges from bright white to yellow or conspicuous. Flower color ranges from least one species flowers in summer. from 2-6’ tall and prefer open roadsides like leaves of the Yellow pitcherplant orange. Blooming begins in June for the white to lavender, green, yellow, or Spring, Summer in full sun. (Sarracenia flava), shown here, can be 2’ white-flowered forms, with a succession bright orange-red. Lanceleaf milkweed Fall tall. All can be seen along wet to moist of oranges and yellows from mid-July can be 3-4’ tall, which makes it a roadsides, especially along SR 65 and into August. Pictured here is Crested conspicuous component of wet roadside the Apalachee Savannas Scenic Byway. fringed orchid (Platanthera cristata). ditches. Spring, Summer Summer Spring, Summer

Campsis radicans Helianthus radula Rudbeckia graminifolia Trillium Trumpet creeper Rayless sunflower Grassleaf coneflower Wakerobin The tubular orange-red flowers of Rayless sunflower stands in stark The combination of short brick-red rays You’ll have to find a shady hardwood Trumpet creeper make their first contrast to Florida’s other Helianthus and large conelike disk sets Grassleaf forest to see our native trilliums. The appearance in late spring but continue species. Although its flowerhead lacks coneflower apart. It can be abundant in leaves of these long-lived perennials into summer. This is a high-climbing the bright yellow rays associated with savannas and on moist roadsides, where make their annual appearance in late woody vine with lacy leaves. Look for most species, its dark brown disk more hundreds of the 2’ stems can dot the winter and flower in early spring, well it scaling trees and shrubs just off the than makes up for the loss. Its sheer landscape, each topped with a single before the trees put on new leaves. road shoulder. abundance in wet savannas and ditches flower head. Chattahoochee Nature Park, Torreya Spring, Summer ensures it won’t be missed. Summer State Park and Jackson Mounds are Fall good destinations to search for these interesting plants. Spring All photos on this page by Gil Nelson, PhD. See these flowers and more online at FlaWildflowerTrips.org.