Part 2 of 3: The Importance of Native Plants: List of 50 native Florida Plants by Type

Here’s a list of 50 native Florida plants that thrive in the state’s climate and attract local wildlife, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and birds:

Wildflowers & Pollinator Plants

1. Swamp Milkweed (*Asclepias perennis*) – Monarch butterfly host

2. Butterfly Milkweed (*Asclepias tuberosa*) – Attracts butterflies

3. Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia hirta*) – Nectar source for pollinators

4. Purple Coneflower (*Echinacea purpurea*) – Supports bees and butterflies

5. Florida Paintbrush (*Carphephorus corymbosus*) – Attracts butterflies

6. Partridge Pea (*Chamaecrista fasciculata*) – Host plant for Sulphur butterflies

7. Sunshine Mimosa (*Mimosa strigillosa*) – Ground cover for pollinators

8. Dotted Horsemint (*Monarda punctata*) – Loved by bees and hoverflies

9. Beach Sunflower (*Helianthus debilis*) – Provides nectar for pollinators

10. Scarlet Hibiscus (*Hibiscus coccineus*) – Attracts hummingbirds

Shrubs & Small Trees

11. Beautyberry (*Callicarpa americana*) – Berries for birds

12. Yaupon Holly (*Ilex vomitoria*) – Winter food source for birds

13. Walter’s Viburnum (*Viburnum obovatum*) – Provides shelter and berries

14. Sparkleberry (*Vaccinium arboreum*) – Florida’s largest native blueberry

15. Firebush (*Hamelia patens*) – Loved by hummingbirds and butterflies

16. Buttonbush (*Cephalanthus occidentalis*) – Attracts pollinators

17. Wild Coffee (*Psychotria nervosa*) – Provides berries for birds

18. Red Buckeye (*Aesculus pavia*) – Nectar source for hummingbirds

19. Simpson’s Stopper (*Myrcianthes fragrans*) – Attracts birds and pollinators

20. Saw Palmetto (*Serenoa repens*) – Provides food and shelter

Vines & Ground Covers

21. Coral Honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervirens*) – Hummingbird favorite

22. Passionflower (*Passiflora incarnata*) – Host plant for Gulf Fritillary butterflies

23. Virginia Creeper (*Parthenocissus quinquefolia*) – Provides berries for birds

24. Frogfruit (*Phyla nodiflora*) – Ground cover for pollinators

25. Carolina Jessamine (*Gelsemium sempervirens*) – Attracts bees and butterflies

Grasses & Wetland Plants

26. Muhly Grass (*Muhlenbergia capillaris*) – Provides shelter for wildlife

27. Fakahatchee Grass (*Tripsacum dactyloides*) – Attracts pollinators

28. Pickerelweed (*Pontederia cordata*) – Supports aquatic pollinators

29. Duck Potato (*Sagittaria lancifolia*) – Provides food for wetland birds

30. Blue-eyed Grass (*Sisyrinchium angustifolium*) – Attracts pollinators

Trees

31. Southern Live Oak (*Quercus virginiana*) – Provides acorns for wildlife

32. Bald Cypress (*Taxodium distichum*) – Supports wetland ecosystems

33. Red Maple (*Acer rubrum*) – Provides nectar for early pollinators

34. Sweetbay Magnolia (*Magnolia virginiana*) – Attracts pollinators

35. Chickasaw Plum (*Prunus angustifolia*) – Provides fruit for birds

36. American Persimmon (*Diospyros virginiana*) – Food source for wildlife

37. Slash Pine (*Pinus elliottii*) – Provides shelter and food

38. Southern Magnolia (*Magnolia grandiflora*) – Attracts pollinators

39. Black Cherry (*Prunus serotina*) – Supports birds and pollinators

40. Red Cedar (*Juniperus virginiana*) – Provides berries for birds

Additional Pollinator-Friendly Plants

41. Seaside Goldenrod (*Solidago sempervirens*) – Supports bees and butterflies

42. Indian Pink (*Spigelia marilandica*) – Attracts hummingbirds

43. Stokes’ Aster (*Stokesia laevis*) – Provides nectar for pollinators

44. Elliott’s Aster (*Symphyotrichum elliottii*) – Supports butterflies

45. Spiderwort (*Tradescantia ohiensis*) – Attracts pollinators

46. Frostweed (*Verbesina virginica*) – Provides nectar for butterflies

47. Giant Ironweed (*Vernonia gigantea*) – Supports pollinators

48. Florida Violet (*Viola sororia*) – Host plant for butterflies

49. Helmet Skullcap (*Scutellaria integrifolia*) – Attracts pollinators

50. Starry Rosinweed (*Silphium asteriscus*) – Provides nectar for bees

These plants not only thrive in Florida’s climate but also play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. Whether you’re looking to attract butterflies, bees, birds, or hoverflies, incorporating native species into your landscape helps maintain biodiversity and creates a thriving ecosystem.