Part 3 of 3: The Importance of Native Plants: List of native Florida Plants by Growing Conditions

Here are some native Florida plant recommendations tailored for different growing conditions and plant combinations to support pollinators and birds:

For Sunny, Dry Areas

These plants thrive in full sun and require minimal watering once established:

-Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia hirta*) – Attracts bees and butterflies

-Beach Sunflower (*Helianthus debilis*) – Ground cover that supports pollinators

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

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

-Yaupon Holly (*Ilex vomitoria*) – Produces berries for birds

For Shady Areas

Ideal for spots with partial or full shade:

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

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

-Wild Coffee (*Psychotria nervosa*) – Great for shaded gardens

-Carolina Jessamine (*Gelsemium sempervirens*) – Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

-Beautyberry (*Callicarpa americana*) – Berries sustain birds

For Wet or Moist Soil

Perfect for ponds, swamps, or rain gardens:

-Pickerelweed (*Pontederia cordata*) – Supports aquatic pollinators

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

-Scarlet Hibiscus (*Hibiscus coccineus*) – Loved by hummingbirds

-Buttonbush (*Cephalanthus occidentalis*) – Attracts pollinators

-Fakahatchee Grass (*Tripsacum dactyloides*) – Provides shelter

For Pollinators (Bees, Butterflies, Hoverflies)

A mix of nectar-rich plants that support Florida’s vital pollinators:

-Swamp Milkweed (*Asclepias perennis*) – Monarch butterfly host plant

-Butterfly Milkweed (*Asclepias tuberosa*) – Essential for butterflies

-Purple Coneflower (*Echinacea purpurea*) – Attracts bees and hoverflies

-Dotted Horsemint (*Monarda punctata*) – Provides nectar for pollinators

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

For Birds

These plants provide food, shelter, and nesting areas for birds:

-Southern Live Oak (*Quercus virginiana*) – Produces acorns for wildlife

-Chickasaw Plum (*Prunus angustifolia*) – Food source for birds

-Slash Pine (*Pinus elliottii*) – Supports native bird populations

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

-Red Buckeye (*Aesculus pavia*) – Attracts hummingbirds