Native plants

Native Plants for Florida - What to Plant, and When

Florida spans 2 ecoregions:Eastern Temperate ForestsTropical Wet Forests

209 plants on this site are native to Florida, 42 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Florida spans 2 ecoregions (Eastern Temperate Forests, Tropical Wet Forests), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 8a to 11a, which is why the list sorts by zone rather than by state.

Start with the keystones (an oak or native cherry if you have room, then goldenrods, asters and milkweeds), and plant in early fall or early spring, at least six weeks before a frost. Pick your zone above and each plant shows its own sowing and bloom window for where you garden.

Every date below moves with your zone.Keystones only · 42
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)

Beach Sunflower

Helianthus debilis

Zones 8a–11b · native to 8 states

Blooms Mar – Dec in zone 9b

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Black Oak

Quercus velutina

Zones 4b–9a · native to 36 states and provinces

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Dec in zone 9b

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Boxelder

Acer negundo

Zones 2a–9b · native to 48 states and provinces

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Calico Aster

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Dec in zone 9b

Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris)

Camphorweed

Heterotheca subaxillaris

Zones 6a–10b · native to 31 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia)

Chickasaw Plum

Prunus angustifolia

Zones 5a–9b · native to 16 states

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Coastal Plain Willow (Salix caroliniana)

Coastal Plain Willow

Salix caroliniana

Zones 6a–10b · native to 23 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Cowpen Daisy (Verbesina encelioides)

Cowpen Daisy

Verbesina encelioides

Zones 5a–10b · native to 26 states

Blooms Mar – Dec in zone 9b

Elliott's Aster (Symphyotrichum elliottii)

Elliott's Aster

Symphyotrichum elliottii

Zones 8a–11b · native to 7 states

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 9b

Frostweed (Verbesina virginica)

Frostweed

Verbesina virginica

Zones 6a–9b · native to 20 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

Giant Ironweed

Vernonia gigantea

Zones 5a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms May – Dec in zone 9b

Groundsel Tree (Baccharis halimifolia)

Groundsel Tree

Baccharis halimifolia

Zones 5a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

Zones 4a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Leavenworth's Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)

Leavenworth's Tickseed

Coreopsis leavenworthii

Zones 8a–11b

Blooms Mar – Dec in zone 9b

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda

Zones 6a–9a · native to 15 states

Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)

Longleaf Pine

Pinus palustris

Zones 7a–9b · native to 9 states

Maryland Golden-aster (Chrysopsis mariana)

Maryland Golden-aster

Chrysopsis mariana

Zones 5a–9a · native to 18 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Narrowleaf Silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia)

Narrowleaf Silkgrass

Pityopsis graminifolia

Zones 6a–10a · native to 17 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Overcup Oak

Quercus lyrata

Zones 5b–9b · native to 19 states

Post Oak (Quercus stellata)

Post Oak

Quercus stellata

Zones 5b–9a · native to 29 states

Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis

Zones 2a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Dec – Feb in zone 9b

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

River Birch (Betula nigra)

River Birch

Betula nigra

Zones 4a–9a · native to 27 states

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

Seaside Goldenrod

Solidago sempervirens

Zones 4a–10b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Shiny Blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites)

Shiny Blueberry

Vaccinium myrsinites

Zones 8a–10b · native to 4 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii

Zones 5b–9b · native to 24 states and provinces

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)

Slash Pine

Pinus elliottii

Zones 8a–10b · native to 6 states

Southern Crabapple (Malus angustifolia)

Southern Crabapple

Malus angustifolia

Zones 5b–9a · native to 12 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Southern Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

Zones 7b–10b · native to 9 states

Tall Tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris)

Tall Tickseed

Coreopsis tripteris

Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 9b

Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White Oak

Quercus alba

Zones 3b–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Wild Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)

Wild Aster

Symphyotrichum pilosum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 9b

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

Zones 6a–9b · native to 20 states

Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia)

Wingstem

Verbesina alternifolia

Zones 4a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 9b

Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

Wreath Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Dec in zone 9b

Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa)

Adam's Needle

Yucca filamentosa

Zones 5a–10b · native to 10 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens)

Allegheny Spurge

Pachysandra procumbens

Zones 5a–9a · native to 11 states

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

American Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana

Zones 6a–10b · native to 15 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Zones 3b–9a · native to 37 states and provinces

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

American Linden (Tilia americana)

American Linden

Tilia americana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea

Zones 4a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

American Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

Zones 4b–9b · native to 28 states

American White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

American White Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata

Zones 3a–11b · native to 56 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 9b

American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)

American Wisteria

Wisteria frutescens

Zones 5a–9b · native to 24 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

American Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 9b

Amsonia (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Amsonia

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 29 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Atamasco Lily (Zephyranthes atamasca)

Atamasco Lily

Zephyranthes atamasca

Zones 7a–10b · native to 8 states

Blooms Jan – Mar in zone 9b

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Zones 4a–10b · native to 19 states

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke' (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

Zones 4a–9a · native to 34 states and provinces

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

Blue Mistflower

Conoclinium coelestinum

Zones 5a–9b · native to 30 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)

Blue Porterweed

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Zones 9b–11b

Blooms Mar – Dec in zone 9b

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 9b

Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces

Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus)

Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus

Zones 6a–10b · native to 24 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)

Buttonwood

Conocarpus erectus

Zones 10a–11b

Cabbage Palmetto (Sabal palmetto)

Cabbage Palmetto

Sabal palmetto

Zones 8b–11b · native to 4 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Jun in zone 9b

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens

Zones 7a–10b · native to 11 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 9b

Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina)

Carolina Rose

Rosa carolina

Zones 4a–9b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera)

Carolina Silverbell

Halesia tetraptera

Zones 4a–8b · native to 11 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Catesby's Gentian (Gentiana catesbaei)

Catesby's Gentian

Gentiana catesbaei

Zones 6a–9b · native to 7 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Dec in zone 9b

Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)

Clustered Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 29 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

Zones 4a–7b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Mar in zone 9b

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia

Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Mar in zone 9b

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Dec in zone 9b

Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)

Common Hoptree

Ptelea trifoliata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Mar in zone 9b

Common Lippia (Phyla nodiflora)

Common Lippia

Phyla nodiflora

Zones 8a–11b · native to 12 states

Blooms May – Nov in zone 9b

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)

Coontie

Zamia integrifolia

Zones 8b–11b · native to 2 states

Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)

Coral Bean

Erythrina herbacea

Zones 7b–11b · native to 8 states

Blooms Jan – Mar in zone 9b

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Zones 4a–9b · native to 29 states

Blooms May – Nov in zone 9b

Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)

Cucumber Tree

Magnolia acuminata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 9b

Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)

Dahoon Holly

Ilex cassine

Zones 7b–11b · native to 7 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

Zones 4a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

Eastern Gamagrass

Tripsacum dactyloides

Zones 4a–10b · native to 29 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 9b

Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa)

Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Firebush

Hamelia patens

Zones 8b–11b

Blooms Dec – Dec in zone 9b

Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella)

Firewheel

Gaillardia pulchella

Zones 3a–10b · native to 17 states

Blooms Mar – Aug in zone 9b

Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)

Florida Anise

Illicium floridanum

Zones 6b–9b · native to 5 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Florida Sundew (Drosera filiformis var. floridana)

Florida Sundew

Drosera filiformis var. floridana

Zones 8a–10b · native to 2 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida

Zones 5a–9a · native to 33 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 9b

Fringed Bluestar (Amsonia ciliata)

Fringed Bluestar

Amsonia ciliata

Zones 5a–9b · native to 9 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Ghost Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Zones 3a–9b · native to 47 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander

Zizia aurea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden Ragwort

Packera aurea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

Zones 4a–9a · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Zones 3a–9a · native to 47 states and provinces

Gro-low Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low')

Gro-low Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low'

Zones 2a–8b · native to 33 states and provinces

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos

Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms May – Dec in zone 9b

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Zones 4a–9a · native to 32 states and provinces

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Feb in zone 9b

Hyssop-leaved Thoroughwort (Eupatorium hyssopifolium)

Hyssop-leaved Thoroughwort

Eupatorium hyssopifolium

Zones 4a–8b · native to 25 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Zones 4a–9a · native to 48 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

Inkberry

Ilex glabra

Zones 4a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium purpureum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms May – Dec in zone 9b

Juniper Tree (Juniperus virginiana)

Juniper Tree

Juniperus virginiana

Zones 2a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist')

Lavender Twist Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'

Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')

Little Gem Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Zones 7a–10b · native to 9 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Mangrove Spider Lily (Hymenocallis latifolia)

Mangrove Spider Lily

Hymenocallis latifolia

Zones 9a–11b

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Zones 4a–9a · native to 24 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia)

Muscadine Grape

Vitis rotundifolia

Zones 6a–10b · native to 19 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 9b

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 9b

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Northern Sea Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

Zones 5a–9a · native to 32 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Obedient Plant

Physostegia virginiana

Zones 2b–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White' (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White')

Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White'

Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'

Zones 4a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Zones 6a–9b · native to 24 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Zones 5a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata

Zones 3a–10b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 9b

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

Pink Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris

Zones 6a–9b · native to 27 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 9b

Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa)

Prairie Phlox

Phlox pilosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 35 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

Purple Lovegrass

Eragrostis spectabilis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

Purple Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Purplehead Sneezeweed (Helenium flexuosum)

Purplehead Sneezeweed

Helenium flexuosum

Zones 5a–9a · native to 25 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 9b

Purpletop (Tridens flavus)

Purpletop

Tridens flavus

Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra

Zones 4b–9a · native to 34 states and provinces

Redbay (Persea borbonia)

Redbay

Persea borbonia

Zones 7b–10b · native to 10 states

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Zones 4b–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink')

Rose Mallow

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink'

Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms May – Dec in zone 9b

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states

Blooms Feb – Dec in zone 9b

Ruby Falls Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls')

Ruby Falls Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Rusty Blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum)

Rusty Blackhaw

Viburnum rufidulum

Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Sand Blackberry (Rubus cuneifolius)

Sand Blackberry

Rubus cuneifolius

Zones 6a–9b · native to 15 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Sand Cordgrass (Spartina bakeri)

Sand Cordgrass

Spartina bakeri

Zones 8a–11b · native to 2 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Zones 4a–9b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens

Zones 7b–11b · native to 6 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Scarlet Rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus)

Scarlet Rosemallow

Hibiscus coccineus

Zones 6a–10b · native to 5 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)

Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea

Zones 8a–11b · native to 3 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 9b

Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)

Sea Grape

Coccoloba uvifera

Zones 10a–11b

Blooms Feb – May in zone 9b

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Jan – Feb in zone 9b

Sherry Sue Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue')

Sherry Sue Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum

Zones 5a–8b · native to 28 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Zones 3a–9b · native to 33 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Smooth Witherod (Viburnum nudum)

Smooth Witherod

Viburnum nudum

Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake')

Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Soapwort Gentian (Gentiana saponaria)

Soapwort Gentian

Gentiana saponaria

Zones 5a–9b · native to 22 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming' (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming'

Polygonatum biflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Solomon's Seal (Native) (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal (Native)

Polygonatum biflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)

Southern Wax Myrtle

Morella cerifera

Zones 7a–10b · native to 16 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Dec – Jan in zone 9b

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis

Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)

Spotted Bee Balm

Monarda punctata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Stiff Bluestar (Amsonia rigida)

Stiff Bluestar

Amsonia rigida

Zones 6a–9b · native to 5 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis)

Stokes' Aster

Stokesia laevis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 6 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Striped Gentian (Gentiana villosa)

Striped Gentian

Gentiana villosa

Zones 5a–9b · native to 17 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 9b

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia

Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Sundial Lupine

Lupinus perennis

Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)

Sundrops

Oenothera fruticosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina)

Swamp Dogwood

Cornus foemina

Zones 6a–9b · native to 17 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Swamp Jessamine (Gelsemium rankinii)

Swamp Jessamine

Gelsemium rankinii

Zones 7a–9b · native to 8 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Zones 3a–9a · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 9b

Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)

Sweet Acacia

Acacia farnesiana

Zones 8a–11b · native to 5 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Sweet Everlasting

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 9b

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana

Zones 5b–10b · native to 16 states

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 9b

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Zones 5a–9b · native to 25 states

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis)

Trailing Phlox

Phlox nivalis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

Trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Zones 4a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum)

Turk's Cap Lily

Lilium superbum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 25 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 9b

Virginia Iris (Iris virginica)

Virginia Iris

Iris virginica

Zones 5a–9b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica

Zones 5a–9a · native to 25 states

Blooms Mar – May in zone 9b

Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

Washington Hawthorn

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 20 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 9b

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Zones 3a–9a · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Winterthur Smooth Witherod (Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur')

Winterthur Smooth Witherod

Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur'

Zones 5a–9b · native to 20 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Wiregrass Gentian (Gentiana pennelliana)

Wiregrass Gentian

Gentiana pennelliana

Zones 8a–9b

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 9b

Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

Zones 3b–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 9b

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states

Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 9b

Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria

Zones 7a–10b · native to 11 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 9b

Yellow Canna (Canna flaccida)

Yellow Canna

Canna flaccida

Zones 7b–11b · native to 5 states

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 9b

Yellow Passionflower (Passiflora lutea)

Yellow Passionflower

Passiflora lutea

Zones 6a–9b · native to 23 states

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 9b

Yellow Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia flava)

Yellow Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia flava

Zones 6a–9b · native to 6 states

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 9b

Common questions

What plants are native to Florida?
Adam's Needle, Allegheny Spurge, American Beautyberry, American Beech, American Elm, American Hornbeam, American Linden, American Lotus, and 201 more are native to Florida. Every one links to its own growing page.
When should I plant natives in Florida?
Timing depends on your hardiness zone. Each plant on this page shows its sowing and bloom window relative to your zone's last spring and first fall frost, so the dates stay correct wherever in Florida you garden. As a rule, plant perennials and shrubs in early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost, or in spring once the soil drains.
What hardiness zones does Florida cover?
Florida runs from zone 8a to 11a. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
Which keystone plants should I start with in Florida?
Beach Sunflower, Black Cherry, Black Oak, Black-Eyed Susan, Boxelder, Calico Aster, among others. Keystone plants host the most caterpillar species in their ecoregion, which is what feeds nesting birds; one oak or native cherry does more than a bed of showy non-natives. Use the Keystones only toggle to see all 42.

How this list is built

Native ranges follow the USDA PLANTS Database; hardiness ranges follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; pollinator value draws on the Xerces Society. Where a reference almanac would stop at “confirm with your local authority,” we go one step further - every plant here links to its full growing page with frost-relative tasks for your zone.

Nature timing varies year to year. To calibrate to your own yard, the Garden Digest builds a weekly task list around your plants and frost dates.

ShareSave to Pinterest

The month ahead in your zone, free in your inbox.

What to sow, plant and watch for, timed to your frost dates. Once a month.

Get the free monthly