The Ultimate Guide to Wildflowers in Florida

Florida is home to a stunning array of native wildflowers that add vibrant color to meadows, prairies and woodlands across the state. From bright yellow tickseeds to the purple blooms of blue porterweed, wildflowers thrive in the Sunshine State’s warm climate and sandy soils.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the most common and beautiful wildflowers found in Florida, look at the best places to spot them, and give tips on growing native species in your own garden.

Florida has a diverse range of native wildflowers thanks to its subtropical and tropical climate. The state has four main USDA plant hardiness zones ranging from 8 in the north to 11 in the south. This warm, humid environment allows many flowers to bloom year-round.

Common wildflowers found growing freely across the state include asters like tickseeds, fleabanes, blanket flowers, and sunflowers. Milkweeds, violets, porterweeds and passion flowers are also widespread.

Many wildflowers thrive in the unique ecosystems found in Florida such as sandy dunes, pine forests, wet prairies, scrub, and marshes. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Planting native wildflowers helps support Florida’s diverse ecosystems.

Where to Find Wildflowers in Florida

Some of the best places to view wildflowers in Florida include

• Pine forests and scrub – Open sandy areas allow flowers like golden ragwort, soft greeneyes and pinewoods milkweed to thrive.

• Wetlands – Marshes swamps and flood plains harbor moisture-loving flowers such as swamp sunflower and blue porterweed.

• Prairies – Tickseeds, black-eyed Susans and blanket flowers grow in meadows.

• Roadsides – Ditches and disturbed areas near roads provide habitat for wildflowers.

• Coastlines – Salt-tolerant flowers like beach sunflower and seaside goldenrod grow on dunes.

• Suburban areas – Even parks, fields and gardens allow flowers like blue violets and passionflower vine to flourish.

16 Common Wildflowers in Florida

Here are some of the most widespread and recognizable wildflowers found across Florida:

Tickseed

The state wildflower of Florida noted for its yellow and orange daisy-like blooms from spring through fall. Grows 1 to 4 feet tall in zones 4 to 10.

Golden Ragwort

A yellow-flowered perennial with lacy, fern-like leaves. Grows 1 to 3 feet tall thriving in shady areas in zones 3 to 8.

Common Blue Violet

A hardy low-growing wildflower with heart-shaped leaves and blue-violet flowers. Grows just 6 to 10 inches tall spreading as a ground cover.

Stokes Aster

Showy lavender, white or blue flowers with feather-like petals. A compact plant growing 1 to 2 feet tall in zones 5 to 9.

Carolina Wild Petunia

A trailing plant with purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Grows around 1 foot tall making an attractive flowering ground cover.

Pinewoods Milkweed

A vital source of nectar for monarch butterflies. Has broad leaves and white flowers tinged with purple.

Oakleaf Fleabane

Dainty white and pink daisy flowers with deeply lobed leaves. Grows up to 2 feet tall thriving in coastal areas.

Beach Sunflower

A perennial with bright yellow flowers and thick triangular foliage. Grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads readily.

Narrowleaf Yellowtops

A clumping plant with many small yellow flower clusters. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall favoring coastal soils.

Pinkscale Blazing Star

Tall spikes of pinkish-purple flowers on upright stems. Grows 2 to 4 feet tall in pine woods and prairies.

Swamp Sunflower

Clusters of small yellow sunflower-like blooms on plants growing 5 to 8 feet tall in moist areas.

Black-Eyed Susan

One of the most widespread wildflowers noted for yellow and brown daisy blooms. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.

Butterfly Weed

Clusters of bright orange flowers attracting butterflies. Has lance-shaped leaves and grows up to 3 feet tall.

Blanket Flower

Heat and drought-tolerant daisy-like flowers in shades of red, yellow and orange. Grows 1 to 2 feet tall.

Blue Porterweed

Tropical plant with trailing stems of purple flowers. Grows 1 to 3 feet tall in coastal and inland areas.

How to Grow Florida Wildflowers

Many native wildflowers are easy to grow in Florida gardens. Here are some top tips:

• Choose suitable species for your USDA zone. Most thrive in zones 8 to 10.

• Plant wildflowers suited to sunlight conditions – full sun, partial shade or full shade.

• Pick flowers that match your soil drainage – wet or dry soils.

• Give wildflowers space to self-seed and spread.

• Use wildflowers in borders, beds, meadow gardens, and other landscaping.

• Group varieties together based on bloom time for spring, summer or fall color.

• Provide one inch of water per week for most wildflowers and well-drained soil.

Bring Natural Beauty to Your Garden

Florida’s native wildflowers provide natural beauty while giving essential habitat to birds, bees, and butterflies. Tickseeds, sunflowers, milkweeds and many other flowers are easily grown from seed or plants. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy masses of colorful blooms in your own Florida garden.