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Plantas alimenticias 

Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants that provide resources for local pollinators. Native flowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. Planting native species supports the delicate balance of local ecosystems and promotes the survival [&#8230;]

Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants that provide resources for local pollinators. Native flowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. Planting native species supports the delicate balance of local ecosystems and promotes the survival of native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here are some native Florida flowers that are perfect for attracting and sustaining native pollinators.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
<figure id="attachment_36041" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36041" style="width: 756px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-36041" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2024/05/Coreopsis-UF-IFAS-Photo-Archive-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="756" height="504" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36041" class="wp-caption-text">Coreopsis, Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Photo Archive</figcaption></figure>
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower. These bright, yellow flowers are a favorite among native bees and butterflies. Coreopsis blooms from spring through fall, providing a long-lasting nectar source. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes across the state.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
<figure id="attachment_36043" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36043" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-36043 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1024" height="768" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2024/05/Photo-May-17-2024-11-59-35-AM-1024x768.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36043" class="wp-caption-text">Rudbeckia, Photo Credit: Danielle Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden Co.</figcaption></figure>
Black-eyed Susans are easily recognizable by their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. These hardy perennials attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun, making them a resilient addition to any garden.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
<figure id="attachment_36045" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36045" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-36045 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1024" height="683" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2024/05/Giallardia-pulchella-Blanket-flower_BethBolles-1024x683.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36045" class="wp-caption-text">Blanket Flower, Photo Credit: Beth Bolles, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County</figcaption></figure>
Blanket Flower, also known as Firewheel, can be found throughout Florida in dry, sandy soils and sunny conditions. It is also a hardy perennial and is known for its long blooming period from spring to fall. The red and yellow blooms are a perfect pollinator attractant, particularly bees and butterflies.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
<figure id="attachment_36047" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36047" style="width: 509px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-36047 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2024/05/Purple-Coneflower-UF-IFAS-Photo-Archive-683x1024.jpg" alt="" width="509" height="763" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36047" class="wp-caption-text">Echinacea, UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.</figcaption></figure>
Purple coneflowers are not only striking with their large, purple petals and spiky centers but are also magnets for bees and butterflies. The nectar of this flower will attract a variation of bees, butterflies, and some hummingbirds, but the seeds that the coneflower produces can be eaten by wildlife. The purple coneflower is considered an endangered native Florida wildflower and can only be found naturally in Gadsden County.
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
While this is not a “traditional” wildflower, the beautyberry is an important native pollinator plant and food source for wildlife. The flowers are small in size and vary from light pink to lavender in color. The blooms open in late spring/early summer and produce a purple berry that can be an additional food source for birds and other animals.
By choosing to plant native wildflowers, you can create a vibrant and thriving garden or landscape bed that supports Florida’s native pollinators. For more information on Florida’s native wildflowers please visit:
<a href="https://www.flawildflowers.org/">https://www.flawildflowers.org/</a>
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP297">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP297</a>
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/wildflowers">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/wildflowers</a>

Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants that provide resources for local pollinators. Native flowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. Planting native species supports the delicate balance of local ecosystems and promotes the survival of native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here are some native Florida flowers that are perfect for attracting and sustaining native pollinators.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Photo Archive
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is Florida’s state wildflower. These bright, yellow flowers are a favorite among native bees and butterflies. Coreopsis blooms from spring through fall, providing a long-lasting nectar source. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes across the state.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Rudbeckia, Photo Credit: Danielle Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden Co.
Black-eyed Susans are easily recognizable by their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. These hardy perennials attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun, making them a resilient addition to any garden.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Blanket Flower, Photo Credit: Beth Bolles, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County
Blanket Flower, also known as Firewheel, can be found throughout Florida in dry, sandy soils and sunny conditions. It is also a hardy perennial and is known for its long blooming period from spring to fall. The red and yellow blooms are a perfect pollinator attractant, particularly bees and butterflies.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
Purple coneflowers are not only striking with their large, purple petals and spiky centers but are also magnets for bees and butterflies. The nectar of this flower will attract a variation of bees, butterflies, and some hummingbirds, but the seeds that the coneflower produces can be eaten by wildlife. The purple coneflower is considered an endangered native Florida wildflower and can only be found naturally in Gadsden County.
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
While this is not a “traditional” wildflower, the beautyberry is an important native pollinator plant and food source for wildlife. The flowers are small in size and vary from light pink to lavender in color. The blooms open in late spring/early summer and produce a purple berry that can be an additional food source for birds and other animals.
By choosing to plant native wildflowers, you can create a vibrant and thriving garden or landscape bed that supports Florida’s native pollinators. For more information on Florida’s native wildflowers please visit:
https://www.flawildflowers.org/
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP297
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/wildflowers

Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants that provide resources for local pollinators. Native flowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our environment. Planting native species supports the delicate balance of local ecosystems and promotes the survival […]

Native Florida Flowers for Native Pollinators

Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the bright green of other trees leafing out. Depending on the local weather conditions, some [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39085" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-hood.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39085 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-hood-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39085" class="wp-caption-text">A neighborhood in Nashville has lined their streets with stunning redbud trees. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST145">redbud (Cercis canadensis)</a> trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the bright green of other trees leafing out. Depending on the local weather conditions, some of the trees were covered in pinkish purple buds, while others were overrun with pale pink blossoms.
<figure id="attachment_39089" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39089" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-trunk-k-state.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39089 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-trunk-k-state-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39089" class="wp-caption-text">Redbud blooms exhibiting &#8220;cauliflory&#8221; on a tree&#8217;s trunk. Photo credit: Kansas State University</figcaption></figure>
When you get up close to the trees, they’re remarkable in other ways. The buds sprout directly on the branches and trunk, covering nearly the entire body of the tree, and not just the branch tips. Botanically, this direct branch growth is called “ramiflorous,” (branch-flower in Latin) while the blooms on the main trunk are called “cauliflorous” (stem-flower)! It is a relatively rare occurrence in temperate regions but quite common in the tropics. Theories on the advantage of this type of growth range from ease of pollination for climbing animals (particularly bats), or perhaps a way of reducing competition for nutrient needs between leaves and flowers. Based on an in-depth discussion of redbud cauliflory in the <a href="https://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1130&amp;context=biology-faculty-publications">Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society</a>, one botanist postulated that the redbud’s ancestral ties to tropical species could hold the clue. Since it is typically an understory tree, having buds on the trunk allowed easier access for insect pollinators that live closer to the ground, like bumblebees and carpenter bees.
<figure id="attachment_39087" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39087" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-flower.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39087 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-flower-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39087" class="wp-caption-text">Redbud flowers are a delicate pale pink. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Redbuds grow well throughout the southeast, with a native range from the <a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ceca4">eastern half of the United States down to the northern reaches of Mexico</a>. That being said, it can grow in almost every state in the union, minus North Dakota and the upper regions of the states bordering Canada (although Ontario can grow them, perhaps the origin of its genus, canadensis). The redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma, where a Mexican variety performs a bit better than the Eastern redbud. In addition to the showy buds and blooms, the redbud has attractive <a href="https://bernheim.org/learn/trees-plants/bernheim-select-urban-trees/eastern-redbud/">deep green heart-shaped leaves</a>. They grow in the spring after the flowers&#8217; arrival. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping.
<figure id="attachment_39091" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39091" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-tree.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39091 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/redbud-tree-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39091" class="wp-caption-text">Redbuds make great understory trees. This one is likely at full height. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Overall, the redbud can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, sun exposure, and temperatures, contributing to its extensive range. Redbuds grow quickly when young and can reach 20-30 feet at maturity, with a multi-trunked form. Due to their ability to thrive in partial shade, they make great understory trees in landscapes. Redbuds can grow in sand, clay, or loamy soil, and in a variety of pH levels. They are drought tolerant but would not do well in a coastal landscape with salt exposure. The tree can be vulnerable to a few pests, so if you have one keep an eye out for any issues. Fungal cankers can form on branches, grow large enough to encircle and girdle branches. There are no good “cures” for canker, so an affected limb would need to be pruned off.
The redbud is in the pea Family (Fabaceae) and both the <a href="https://www.ateaspoon.com/food-facts/2022/4/edible-eastern-redbuds">flowers and seed pods are edible</a>. I have never tasted them, though, so no promises on flavor!

A neighborhood in Nashville has lined their streets with stunning redbud trees. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the bright green of other trees leafing out. Depending on the local weather conditions, some of the trees were covered in pinkish purple buds, while others were overrun with pale pink blossoms.
Redbud blooms exhibiting “cauliflory” on a tree’s trunk. Photo credit: Kansas State University
When you get up close to the trees, they’re remarkable in other ways. The buds sprout directly on the branches and trunk, covering nearly the entire body of the tree, and not just the branch tips. Botanically, this direct branch growth is called “ramiflorous,” (branch-flower in Latin) while the blooms on the main trunk are called “cauliflorous” (stem-flower)! It is a relatively rare occurrence in temperate regions but quite common in the tropics. Theories on the advantage of this type of growth range from ease of pollination for climbing animals (particularly bats), or perhaps a way of reducing competition for nutrient needs between leaves and flowers. Based on an in-depth discussion of redbud cauliflory in the Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society, one botanist postulated that the redbud’s ancestral ties to tropical species could hold the clue. Since it is typically an understory tree, having buds on the trunk allowed easier access for insect pollinators that live closer to the ground, like bumblebees and carpenter bees.
Redbud flowers are a delicate pale pink. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Redbuds grow well throughout the southeast, with a native range from the eastern half of the United States down to the northern reaches of Mexico. That being said, it can grow in almost every state in the union, minus North Dakota and the upper regions of the states bordering Canada (although Ontario can grow them, perhaps the origin of its genus, canadensis). The redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma, where a Mexican variety performs a bit better than the Eastern redbud. In addition to the showy buds and blooms, the redbud has attractive deep green heart-shaped leaves. They grow in the spring after the flowers’ arrival. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping.
Redbuds make great understory trees. This one is likely at full height. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Overall, the redbud can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, sun exposure, and temperatures, contributing to its extensive range. Redbuds grow quickly when young and can reach 20-30 feet at maturity, with a multi-trunked form. Due to their ability to thrive in partial shade, they make great understory trees in landscapes. Redbuds can grow in sand, clay, or loamy soil, and in a variety of pH levels. They are drought tolerant but would not do well in a coastal landscape with salt exposure. The tree can be vulnerable to a few pests, so if you have one keep an eye out for any issues. Fungal cankers can form on branches, grow large enough to encircle and girdle branches. There are no good “cures” for canker, so an affected limb would need to be pruned off.
The redbud is in the pea Family (Fabaceae) and both the flowers and seed pods are edible. I have never tasted them, though, so no promises on flavor!

Driving through north Alabama and central Tennessee this week, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display of color on the roadsides. The redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a striking shade of fuschia and really pop out in contrast to the bright green of other trees leafing out. Depending on the local weather conditions, some […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Eastern redbud

Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are tremendous contributors. Native insect pollinators thrive on the pollen of low-growing grasses, herbs, and wildflowers. [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39023" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39023 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow-2-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39023" class="wp-caption-text">Clover may seem weedy in a yard, but those flowers are like candy to insects. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are tremendous contributors. Native insect pollinators thrive on the pollen of low-growing grasses, herbs, and wildflowers.
<figure id="attachment_39025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39025" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39025 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39025" class="wp-caption-text">The &#8220;No Mow March&#8221; effort encourages residents to leave patches of wildflowers and grass to grow this month, providing pollen for bees and other insects. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
According to a <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/06/20/want-help-bees-take-break-lawn-mowing">study conducted by the USDA Forest Service</a>, reducing frequency of mowing can improve both diversity and abundance of bee species. During the study, typical home lawns were mowed at intervals ranging from weekly, every two weeks, and every three weeks. After analyzing the data collected over two summers, they found that species diversity was highest among those lawns cut every three weeks. However, the bigger numbers (abundance) of bees were seen in those cut every two weeks. This frequency seemed to provide “plenty of lawn flowers combined with shorter grass that made access to lawn flowers easier.” Through the study timeframe, they counted over 100 species of bees, equal to 25% of all species known in the region. Based on this research, the USDA encourages a reduction in mowing to help provide habitat and nourishment for bee populations.
<figure id="attachment_39027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39027" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow-inat.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39027 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="195" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/03/no-mow-inat-300x195.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39027" class="wp-caption-text">This iNaturalist group allows participants to enter and share plant and wildlife observations. Screenshot: iNaturalist.com</figcaption></figure>
In support of these findings, Extension horticulture faculty created “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6VEmXVcdQc">No Mow March</a>.” March is the kickoff to spring, the season of warming temperatures, brilliant flowers, and newborn wildlife scampering around. This effort encourages residents to keep all or part of their landscapes a little wilder. Not mowing allows low-growing plants to produce blooms, pollen, and nectar, allowing pollinator insects and birds to feed and distribute pollen widely. To share findings and create a like-minded community, they have <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/no-mow-march">created an iNaturalist site</a> to post photos, locations, and plant/insect identification. iNaturalist is a free app and website used around the world by scientists and outdoor enthusiasts to share information about habitats and wildlife.
Several <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/lawn-and-garden/no-mow-march/county-activities/">Extension events</a> are being held throughout northwest Florida to encourage pollinator-friendly landscaping this month.
In Escambia County, our horticulture and Master Gardener programs will be celebrating “No Mow March” by holding a <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2024/02/27/celebrate-pollinators-with-no-mow-march-2/">Pollinator Festival this Saturday, March 23</a>. The festival, located at the Escambia County Extension Office and Demonstration Garden (3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment), will include speakers and exhibits. At 9 am, Emily Peterson will give a presentation on “Artfully Adding Pollinator Plants to Your Landscape.” Seating is first come, first served. From 10 am-Noon, exhibitors, including the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs, Escarosa Beekeepers, the Longleaf Chapter of the Native Plant Society, and ECUA, will be set up around the garden with information. A small Master Gardner plant sale will also take place.
If you want to take part in “Now Mow March” this spring, let us know! You can t<a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-KBNDTFKdk2s5gpiMx4bhD_z_LoZCjZDldh8E8VKULNUMjJUTDMyWEg5RThWRElZQTdYNUFJRVVEVC4u">ake the pledge here</a>.

Clover may seem weedy in a yard, but those flowers are like candy to insects. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are tremendous contributors. Native insect pollinators thrive on the pollen of low-growing grasses, herbs, and wildflowers.
The “No Mow March” effort encourages residents to leave patches of wildflowers and grass to grow this month, providing pollen for bees and other insects. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
According to a study conducted by the USDA Forest Service, reducing frequency of mowing can improve both diversity and abundance of bee species. During the study, typical home lawns were mowed at intervals ranging from weekly, every two weeks, and every three weeks. After analyzing the data collected over two summers, they found that species diversity was highest among those lawns cut every three weeks. However, the bigger numbers (abundance) of bees were seen in those cut every two weeks. This frequency seemed to provide “plenty of lawn flowers combined with shorter grass that made access to lawn flowers easier.” Through the study timeframe, they counted over 100 species of bees, equal to 25% of all species known in the region. Based on this research, the USDA encourages a reduction in mowing to help provide habitat and nourishment for bee populations.
This iNaturalist group allows participants to enter and share plant and wildlife observations. Screenshot: iNaturalist.com
In support of these findings, Extension horticulture faculty created “No Mow March.” March is the kickoff to spring, the season of warming temperatures, brilliant flowers, and newborn wildlife scampering around. This effort encourages residents to keep all or part of their landscapes a little wilder. Not mowing allows low-growing plants to produce blooms, pollen, and nectar, allowing pollinator insects and birds to feed and distribute pollen widely. To share findings and create a like-minded community, they have created an iNaturalist site to post photos, locations, and plant/insect identification. iNaturalist is a free app and website used around the world by scientists and outdoor enthusiasts to share information about habitats and wildlife.
Several Extension events are being held throughout northwest Florida to encourage pollinator-friendly landscaping this month.
In Escambia County, our horticulture and Master Gardener programs will be celebrating “No Mow March” by holding a Pollinator Festival this Saturday, March 23. The festival, located at the Escambia County Extension Office and Demonstration Garden (3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment), will include speakers and exhibits. At 9 am, Emily Peterson will give a presentation on “Artfully Adding Pollinator Plants to Your Landscape.” Seating is first come, first served. From 10 am-Noon, exhibitors, including the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs, Escarosa Beekeepers, the Longleaf Chapter of the Native Plant Society, and ECUA, will be set up around the garden with information. A small Master Gardner plant sale will also take place.
If you want to take part in “Now Mow March” this spring, let us know! You can take the pledge here.

Bugs love weeds. This combination is likely the bane of most homeowners—the stereotypical lawn is typically bug-free and a bright green monoculture of one turf species. But when it comes to the health of the ecosystem, bugs and weeds are tremendous contributors. Native insect pollinators thrive on the pollen of low-growing grasses, herbs, and wildflowers. […]

Weekly “What is it?”: No Mow March

Deng, Zhanao

Bougainvillea is a tropical vining shrub that comes in a wide array of bright and fanciful colors. The "flowers" are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that are long-lasting and bright. The colorful bracts outshine the plant's true (but tiny) flower, much like a poinsettia. For more information on Bougainvillea, see the UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/bougainvillea/">Bougainvillea page</a>.

Bougainvillea

Buganvillas 

Geranium

Geranios

Begonia

Begonias

African Violets

Violetas africanas 

Florida gardeners can choose from a wide variety of bulbous plants that will thrive and produce beautiful flowers year after year with proper care. Bulbous plants have thickened underground storage organs which enable them to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. These underground organs are usually the propagative units of the plants.

Los jardineros de Florida pueden elegir entre una amplia variedad de plantas bulbosas que prosperar&aacute;n y producir&aacute;n hermosas flores a&ntilde;o tras a&ntilde;o con el cuidado adecuado. Las plantas bulbosas tienen &oacute;rganos de almacenamiento subterr&aacute;neos engrosados ​​que les permiten sobrevivir en condiciones ambientales desfavorables. Estos &oacute;rganos subterr&aacute;neos suelen ser las unidades de propagaci&oacute;n de las plantas.

Bulbs for Florida

Cultivos de bulbos en Florida 

Chrysanthemums

Crisantemos

Floriculture is that branch of horticulture dealing with the production of field-grown or greenhouse-grown plants for their flowers or showy leaves. [<a href="https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/30902">NALT</a>] [<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_16488">AGROVOC</a>]

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