Where to find Florida Natives and information
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check the Atlas of Florida Plants (USF). This is a scientific database that is great for confirming whether a plant is native or non-native. It has county-level distribution maps and herbarium specimen records.
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The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) is the best resource to find plant profiles for natives. Their plant profiles include all the basic info you need on sunlight, soil, and water requirements. They also include the plant status, conservation value, habitat value, and ecological notes.
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If you are getting into the weeds on regionally specific native plants, check out Natives for Your Neighborhood. This resource contains the best localized plant lists at the zip code and county-level. It also include site-specific planting recommendations, and practical restoration and landscaping tips.
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Florida Wildflower Foundation is the best wildflower-focused resource. They provide information on wildflower identification and pollinator-friendly species, as well as educational materials and guides.
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UF/IFAS’ Florida Friendly Landscaping Guide is the best practical planting tool for native plants. It includes native and Florida Friendly information including soil, light, and moisture filtering. It includes landscape-ready plant lists and planting and maintenance guidance.
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The best ecosystem and habitat context resource is the FNPS Native Plant Communities and Education. This resource is great for understanding native plant communities and ecosystem level planning.
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We have worked closely with and highly recommend B the Change Native Plants & Landscape Design and Longleaf Design. Please reach out to them directly for any inquiries!
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Many local nurseries offer a small selection of native plants, but there are a handful of nurseries that specialize in native plants. Native Plant Nurseries Finder, informed by the The Florida Association of Native Nurseries, is the best resource to find native plants near you.
We encourage everyone to shop local and avoid purchasing plants at large box stores when possible!
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We would love to see you at our monthly program meetings where we talk about all things native plants! We cover topics from landscape level conservation down to plant specific gardening tips. Check out our upcoming events for a calendar of dates.
Until then, FNPS has a wealth of information available on their website.
Our Reading List
Here are a few books we love, and thought you may as well:
Indian River Lagoon, an Environmental History by Nathaniel Osborn
The Palmetto Book by Jono Miller
Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy
The Wilder Heart of Florida: More Writers Inspired by Florida Nature by Leslie Poole
Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Kimmerer
Gathering Moss by Robin Kimmerer
The Inward Garden: Creating a Place of Beauty and Meaning by Julie Moir Messervy
Planting in a Post-Wild World by Claudia West and Thomas Rainer
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Butterflies Of Florida Field Guide by Jaret Daniels
Of Slash Pines and Manatees by by Andrew Furman
The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
Support your local library by borrowing a book today!
Pan's Garden
Florida's first all-native botanical garden was established in 1994 by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. The half acre garden designed by Sanchez & Maddux consists exclusively of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wild flowers, many of which are endangered. These are incorporated into upland and wetland areas designed to display their naturally occurring relationships to one another.