Fabaceae

Control of Black Medic in Strawberry Production

Shaun M. Sharpe and Nathan S. Boyd

Gulf Coast Lupine, Lupinus westianus var. westianus

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Creeping Indigo, A Poisonous Plant of Concern in Florida Pastures

Robert MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, and Amanda House

Cassia bahamensis Bahama Cassia

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Bahama cassia (Cassia bahamensis), a native shrub of Florida known for its attractive yellow flowers and dark green compound leaves. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and environmental preferences. The Bahama cassia is noted for its high drought tolerance, ability to attract butterflies, and potential use in various landscape applications. The document also discusses the plant’s propagation methods, pest resistance, and maintenance requirements, highlighting its suitability for different planting zones and its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes. Original publication date October 1999. 

Bauhinia punctata Red Bauhinia

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Red Bauhinia (Bauhinia punctata), a dense, semi-climbing, evergreen shrub known for its orchid-like, brick-red flowers. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its growth habit, leaf and flower features, and fruiting patterns. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, such as full sun and well-drained, sandy loam soil, and its high drought tolerance. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s uses in landscaping, its maintenance needs, and its propagation methods. The Red Bauhinia is noted for its versatility in various garden settings, although it may require preventive fertilizer applications and occasional pruning. Original publication date October 1999.

Canavalia maritima Beach Bean, Bay Bean

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the beach bean (Canavalia maritima), a dense ground cover native to the coastal sands of southeast Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its evergreen, trifoliate leaves and pink to purple flowers that bloom year-round. The beach bean is noted for its high drought and salt spray tolerance, making it ideal for coastal landscapes. It is effective in stabilizing sandy soils and resisting erosion. The document also highlights the plant’s growth habits, soil and light requirements, and its general lack of pest and disease issues. Original publication date October 1999.

Gleditsia aquatica, Water Locust

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

Water locust’s wide, spreading root system and affinity for hydric conditions makes it a useful specimen for erosion control on wet banks of freshwater systems. While not widely available, planting this tree in residential yards or other public locations may be less than ideal, since the long and sharply pointed thorns on the main trunk and branches can be hazardous. This deciduous tree is native to Florida.

Campsis radicans Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Vine

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), a fast-growing, deciduous vine native to Florida. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its brilliant orange flowers, high drought tolerance, and invasive potential. The trumpet vine thrives in full sun and various soil types but requires regular pruning to manage its growth. It is suitable for arbors, trellises, and containers, attracting hummingbirds and occasionally hosting ants. The document also mentions several cultivars and common issues like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Original publication date October 1999. 

Indigofera cylindrica Indigo

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Indigofera cylindrica, commonly known as indigo. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its pinnately compound leaves, pink flowers, and rounded vase-shaped canopy. The document details the plant’s growth habits, soil and light requirements, and its moderate drought tolerance. It also highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, such as specimen planting, border planting, and container gardening. Additionally, it notes that indigo is not native to North America and is not known to be invasive. The document concludes with practical advice on planting and maintaining indigo for optimal growth and aesthetic appeal. Original publication date October 1999.