45 Common Types Of Florida Wildflowers Including Photos

Have you ever walked through the fields of Florida, soaking in the sunshine and vibrant colors of wildflowers?

From the delicate largeflower Mexican clover to the exotic Peruvian primrose-willow, there are 45 different types of wildflowers that grow in Florida. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

1. Largeflower Mexican Clover

The white and purple to pink flowers are what make this species stand out from other wildflowers as they are quite distinctive. While it’s invasive by nature and classified as a weed,  many appreciate its beauty, especially when it pops up during springtime!

2. Caesar Weed

Caesar Weed is an invasive annual shrub, meaning it quickly spreads across disturbed soils, gardens, and crops. While it might be considered a weed to many gardeners, its pink or pink-violet flowers make it quite attractive to local insects.

This plant is easily recognizable due to its tiny hairs along the stems and leaves. 

3. Spurge Nettle

Spurge Nettle is a perennial herb that stands out because of its narrow, short leaves and small white flowers, each with five petals. It can be found in a variety of environments, such as woodlands, sandy areas, and coastal regions.

Oak woodlands are especially common habitats for this species, as it grows well in dry soils like sand dunes.

Spurge Nettle has a beautiful white flower, but it isn’t very popular because it has stinging hairs that can cause an itchy rash known as urticaria.

4. Turkey Tangle Frogfruit

Turkey Tangle Frogfruit is a decorative ground cover that is often found in gardens in Florida. It has small yellow, white, and pink flowers.

Unfortunately, it is an invasive species in Florida lawns and disturbed soils, and can quickly overgrow gardens if left unchecked. However, it is easy to control its spread by simply hand pulling it.

5. White Beggarticks

White Beggarticks flowers are usually white and have yellow centers, making them easy to identify when you’re out exploring nature. 

White Beggarticks love the tropical climate of Florida and can be found throughout the state, even in northern regions with reduced moisture.These flowers are also rich in nectar and provide a great food source for Florida bees.

6. Cucumberleaf Sunflower

The Cucumberleaf Sunflower is a gorgeous wildflower that can be found in the coastal areas of Florida. It’s easily recognizable due to its yellow petals and can grow to heights of up to a few feet.

This species has a high tolerance for salinity, making it an ideal choice for gardens located near bodies of water.

7. Pickerelweed

Pickerelweed can be found in wetland areas throughout Florida. This species can be easily recognized due to its elongated flowers with a purple hue, similar to lavender. It is highly present in Florida’s Everglades and usually blooms in late August.

Having adapted to the ideal habitat of Florida’s wetlands, Pickerelweed prefers moist soils with plenty of water level variation. 

8. Shrubby False Buttonweed

Shrubby False Buttonweed has earned its status as a weed due to its rapid spread across crops and disturbed soils. This wildflower prefers both wet and dry soils, making it an ideal choice for any garden!

This species of wildflower is sure to not only bring some lovely color to your outdoor space but will also help attract pollinators such as bees and wasps. 

9. Trailing Daisy

This golden-yellow/white flower is perfect for any garden, as it’s low maintenance yet beautiful! It can grow to a height of 10-20 inches, making it easy to fit into your outdoor space.

The Trailing Daisy can be quite resilient and easily spread – even if you discard it in the garden, it may still multiply as a weed!

10. Madagascar Periwinkle

This shrub-like flower comes in various colors such as white, dark pink, bright pink, and orange. It’s a great addition to your outdoor space because not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but its rapid expansion makes it perfect for filling up any space!

Additionally, this wildflower is known for its medicinal properties – it’s been used to treat diabetes and tumors for centuries! The Madagascar Periwinkle is also ideal for attracting pollinators such as bees and wasps due to its nectar-rich flowers. 

11. Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia can grow as a shrub or as a tree, depending on its location – making it an ideal addition to any outdoor space!

Southern Magnolia is known for its large white flowers, which are fragrant and ideal species along ponds. As a tree in coastal plains, they can grow to tens of feet – making them quite the statement piece! 

12. Partridge Pea

This yellow-flowered species has gained popularity due to its abundance of pollen and its ability to quickly cover an area. It’s also a great source of food for birds, ants, moths, butterflies, and other insects – making it an ideal addition to any outdoor space!

13. Fourpetal St. Johnsworth

Fourpetal St. Johnswort is an evergreen perennial shrub wildflower native to Florida, with small petals that form a bright yellow flower.

It’s a great addition to any outdoor area – not only does it look beautiful, but its flowers measure around 1 inch in diameter and only grow to a few inches in height, making them the perfect choice for those who want something that won’t take up too much space!

14. Buttonbush

With its large size and vibrant blooms, it’s easy to see why this plant is so popular! Buttonbush grows to a height of 3-9 feet, with white flowers that can measure up to 2 inches in diameter and are accompanied by striking star-shaped leaves. 

This wildflower prefers moist soils and plenty of watering, making it a great choice for those looking to add a lush, tropical feel to their outdoor area.

15. Peruvian Primrose-Willow

The Peruvian Primrose-Willow extends outwards from the shoreline into the water, making it difficult for boats to navigate and blocking canals. It also poses a risk to native species by outcompeting them for resources close to water.

Despite its invasive nature, the Peruvian Primrose-Willow is an interesting and attractive wildflower.

Its star-shaped leaves are bright green and contrast nicely against its purple-tinged petals – a sight that’s sure to add a vibrant splash of color to any outdoor area! 

16. Leavenworth’s Tickseed

Leavenworth’s Tickseed is a common type of wildflower in Florida, and it won’t be hard to spot along roads and highways in the state. This aster species prefers full sun and has a maximum height of 3 feet when modern soil moisture is present. 

Its bright yellow flowers make this plant especially popular with local insects, making it an ideal choice for natural pollination. Adding Leavenworth’s Tickseed to your garden is sure to attract bees and other beneficial bugs!

17. American Black Elderberry

American Black Elderberry is an attractive flower that can be found in both wet and dry soils across the state, but it’s important to know that its fruits and stems are poisonous if unripe or uncooked.

This plant has multiple uses in jams, drinks, and even edible flowers! 

18. Whitetop Sedge

This species of sedge grows up to 10 inches tall and features 5 petals with white flowers. The leaves are long and green, attached to the bottom of the stem, giving this wildflower a unique look.

It’s a great choice for gardens as it is an ideal alternative to other similar plants in the narcissus family. When caring for Whitetop Sedge, keep in mind that it prefers moist soil, so make sure your plant is getting enough water. 

19. Lyreleaf Sage

Lyreleaf Sage has a unique shape, with five petals that form an open cup shape. This wildflower can come in either shades of blue or lavender, depending on its variety. 

The plant grows up to 10 inches tall and has multiple blooms on each stem, making it a great choice for gardens if you’re looking for something unusual and eye-catching.

20. Largeflower Pink-Sorrel

This bulbous plant has bright pink petals with green at the base, making it a popular choice for home gardens.

The Largeflower Pink-Sorrel is mostly used in its cultivar subspecies due to its large flowers, but be aware that this species can dry out and develop a fungus easily.

21. Lilac Tasselflower

This species has multiple small flowers that range in color from lavender to dark purple. The Lilac Tasselflower loves sun and can be found growing in disturbed areas as well as around water sources.

It’s important to note though, that this plant is highly invasive when planted in crop fields so it’s best to keep it away from your garden!

22. Shiny Blueberry

With its delicate pink and white flowers, it’s easy to identify. This perennial grows up to 1 foot in height and width, making it perfect for borders or other small spaces.

It prefers sandy soils in full sun, and while you can grow it in the garden or indoors near a sunny window, it’s important not to let it dry out too much.

This hardy species is very easy to take care of as long as you give it plenty of sunshine and water. Its bright pink color makes it an attractive addition to any garden as well! 

23. Carolina Ruellia

Carolina Ruellia is a stunning addition to any garden! This single-stemmed wildflower is native to the Southeast and produces bright violet or pink flowers. 

It’s easy to take care of, as it only requires sandy and properly drained soils and doesn’t need frequent watering. Plus, this hardy plant grows up to 6 inches tall and can multiply itself, so you can have a beautiful display of blooms in no time.

24. Oakleaf Fleabane

Oakleaf Fleabane adds a pop of white and yellow to any garden. It grows to a maximum height of two feet, making it perfect for gardens with limited space.

Its bright flowers attract pollinating bees and other beneficial insects, so if you’re looking to encourage wildlife in your garden, Oakleaf Fleabane is an excellent choice!

25. Indian Blanket

Indian Blanket is a stunning wildflower native to Florida. It’s a short-lived species with vibrant orange and yellow flowers that will add some serious color to your garden!

Indian Blanket is highly tolerant of saltwater, so it can be planted near the seashore or in any other well-drained soil. 

26. Black Mangrove

Black Mangrove is a type of tree found along the coasts of Florida. This species can also be found in California, and as far North as Georgia.

Not only is it an attractive sight but it also has unusual propagation methods: its seeds fall into saltwater and germinate there, eventually forming new trees. 

27. Common Lantana

Common Lantana is an evergreen shrub that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, and red. Common Lantana is a host species for butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. It’s also an important food source for these creatures!

This wildflower prefers sunny areas with well-drained soil, but it can thrive in other climates as well. 

28. Wild Cowpea

Wild Cowpea has bright yellow flowers that grow in clusters and are often used as a garden addition. Wild Cowpea is an excellent host species for local caterpillars, making it an important part of the eco-system. 

They flourish in sunny areas with well-drained soil, but can also be found in other climates. Though this wildflower prefers full sun, it still does quite well when planted in partially shaded areas too! 

29. Climbing Hempvine

Climbing Hempvine is an incredibly common and versatile wildflower in Florida. It’s a climbing plant with panicles that you’ll find all over the state, particularly in the Everglades.

Not only is it beautiful, but it has multiple uses too! This hearty species can be used for cooking, traditional medicine, and even as an ornamental addition to gardens.

30. Narrowleaf Silkgrass

The Narrowleaf Silkgrass  is an attractive wildflower that can be found in more than 60 counties throughout Florida.

It looks like a type of grass before it blooms, but when it’s in season, it displays small yellow flowers. This aster loves full sun and often attracts bees and wasps to its sweet-smelling petals. 

31. Oriental False Hawksbeard

The Oriental False Hawksbeard is a wildflower native to Asia, but has since spread to Florida where it can be found in disturbed land habitats. 

It’s an invasive species and is known for covering large areas of land and killing other short plants in the process. Its leaves are close to the ground, making it resilient against mowing or other landscaping practices. 

These wildflowers have small yellow flowers that stand out amongst their green foliage backdrop. 

32. Bluejacket

These blue flowers are known for their unique bloom cycle – they open up in the morning or afternoon sunlight and can still make a beautiful addition to any garden.

The species may reach a height of over 10 inches when uncut, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking to add some height and color to your landscape.

33. Southern Swamp Crinum

The Southern Swamp Crinum is a showy species with white flowers that can make a stunning addition to any garden. Best of all, this species is incredibly easy to grow and maintain!

All it needs is an area that has access to shallow water – it prefers depths of up to a few inches – and you’re good to go.

34. Beach Morning Glory

This vibrant species has pink to purple flowers with white areas and wide upward-facing leaves; they stand out brightly against the sand and sea! 

Not only are they stunning, but they’re also incredibly resilient; Beach Morning Glory is known as one of the most salt-tolerant wildflowers, making it an ideal choice for any beach or coastal setting. 

35. Red Tasselflower

The Red Tasselflower is a gorgeous wildflower found in both Central and Southern Florida. With its beautiful bright red florets, this flower is sure to add some color and vibrancy to your garden! 

Unfortunately, the Red Tasselflower is also considered a weed in many areas of Florida since it quickly spreads across nurseries and gardens. This can be quite troublesome for gardeners looking to keep their landscapes neat and organized.

36. Butterfly Pea

This perennial flower can be found blooming in both Central and Southern Florida, and its bright petals come in shades of pink, violet, or blue.

Butterfly Peas are known for their ability to quickly spread across gardens and nurseries, making them perfect for growing in containers or as a trailing species next to fences.

37. Camphorweed

This species of aster is known for its small yellow flowers, which attract bees and butterflies to their pollen-filled blooms.

Camphorweed is a perennial flower that grows best in sandy or clay soils, and it’s an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to your landscape! 

38. Florida Pricklypear

This interesting plant is easily identified by its small profile and sparse wide spines, as well as its yellow flowers which are significantly larger than other types of cacti.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of uniqueness to their garden or landscape! 

39. Florida Bluehearts

This small plant has vibrant violet-blue flowers that are sure to add a pop of color to any garden! Found mainly in woodlands, particularly pine woodlands, they spread quickly thanks to their wind-borne seeds. 

However, due to the low elevation in many parts of Florida, these plants may not last much longer as areas prone to flooding become more common.

40. Coastalplain Chaffhead

Coastalplain Chaffhead is most commonly found in sand hills and pine woodlands, where its dark pink flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

These plants have a habit of spreading quickly, so it’s important to manage growth in your garden by cutting off the flowers before they release their seeds. This will help keep them from spreading too far and wide!

41. Common Water Hyacinth

Common Water Hyacinth is often seen growing in lakes and ponds, sometimes as an invasive species due to its tendency to spread rapidly.

While this species can be problematic if left unchecked, it can also add a beautiful layer of color and life to your outdoor space! .

42. Mexican Primrose-Willow

Mexican Primrose-Willow has bright yellow flowers that can add a splash of color to your outdoor space! It’s also very hardy, able to survive in damp soils close to water such as rivers, ponds, canals, marshes and ditches. 

Unfortunately, Mexican Primrose-Willow is an invasive species in Florida, meaning it tends to spread quickly and outcompete other plants for resources. 

43. Creeping Beggarweed

Creeping Beggarweed is a low-growing weed that can be identified by its subtle purple flowers. You’ll usually find Creeping Beggarweed in disturbed land or agricultural areas – it’s actually listed as a weed in both Florida and its native range! 

44. Yellow Milkwort

This perennial wildflower is well adapted to the Peninsula, living in savannahs, along marshes and woodlands and close to pines. It has thin erect stems that resemble grass so it’s easy to spot when you’re out exploring! 

The plant grows quickly during the warm months of summer, with its bright yellow flowers lasting until fall.

45. Netted Pawpaw

Netted Pawpaw is a beautiful wildflower that has attractive, large fruits that look like  paws. It’s no surprise why animals and humans alike enjoy eating them.

Not only are they delicious, but they also provide essential nutrients to the species that consume them. The fruit can also be eaten by humans, making it a great food source for those living in the area.

Butterflies and moths also feed on these fruits of the Netted Pawpaw plant, as well as birds and small animals. These insects are attracted to the bright yellow-orange color of the fruit and its sweet scent. 

Conclusion 

Florida is home to a variety of wildflowers, each offering its own unique features and benefits. From the small and hardy Florida Bluehearts to the large and delicious fruits of the Netted Pawpaw plant, these wildflowers can add life and color to any outdoor space.

With careful management, they can also provide essential food sources for many species living in Florida.

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