Florida Natives
Florida is home to more than 2,800 native plant species from the panhandle down to the keys, exceeding every other state except for Texas and California. This makes Florida one of the most biologically diverse states across the continental United States. The native plants of Florida evolved alongside a specific set of animals to create a balance of food and habitat. Some animals, like the monarch, can only lay eggs on milkweed, while others need a specific tree type to source their shelter from.
By supporting the native plants that thrive in Florida, we are also supporting our native animals.
What does it mean to be native?
A plant or species that was present 500+ years ago when the first European settlers arrived on what is now Florida. There are over 1,300 species that are not considered native as they arrived after these settlers by way of unplanned transport by cars, ships, planes, boats and people or through agricultural, horticultural, and land management practices. Today, around 125 of these plants are considered invasive, or opportunistic, such as: Brazillian pepper, Australian pine, popcorn tree, and more.
To be considered invasive, an imported plant will be seen as a threat to the surrounding ecosystem due to the lack of checks and balances that are available to the specific plant. Invasive plants have been found to choke out other plants due to their fast growing nature, causing them to dwindle or die off completely in certain areas. This can limit the amount of native food and shelter available to local wildlife.
Why use native plants?
Native plants have evolved with native animal species. The native animals have a direct relationship with these plants, which they rely on for food and shelter. Some native animals have special adaptations that allow them to harvest the pollen from the flowers or build a shelter. Others need a specific plant for proper food harvesting. While many animals can survive off of non-native species, the nutrients provided may be less than optimal, requiring them to forage longer and eat more to sustain them.
Native plants have grown in balance with one another, a sort of checks and balance system. When a non-native plant is introduced into the environment, typically there is not another plant or animal species available to ensure the new plant assimilates properly. Left unchecked by its surrounding environment and by the humans who introduced it, the plant flourishes and takes over.
As native plants have evolved in our specific climate region, they tend be the easiest to grow. With a wide variety of options, we have many native plants that can handle flooding, drought conditions, and everything in between. Using these species in the correct locations can lower the need for irrigation and watering as these plants have naturally grown without our help for centuries already.