perennial

Cross-Leaved Milkwort

Cross-leaved milkwort (Polygala cruciata) is a unique and fascinating plant native to Florida’s wetlands, prairies, and moist pinelands. This perennial herb is easily recognizable by its cross-shaped leaf arrangement and vibrant purple-to-pink flowers, which bloom from spring through fall. The plant typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and prefers sunny, moist environments.
Cross-leaved milkwort plays a significant role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It is also a part of the diverse flora that helps maintain the health and stability of wetland habitats.
Conservation of these habitats is crucial, as they are threatened by development and changes in land use. Protecting areas where cross-leaved milkwort thrives ensures the survival of this and many other native species.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
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Carolina Sea Lavender

Carolina sea lavender is a showy perennial native to Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The blooming season of this species occurs during summer when its purple flowers with white bracts bloom. Carolina sea lavender is native to salt marshes, flats, coastal beaches and marshes, inter-tidal, and sub-tidal zones. In the United States, this plant is commonly found on the east coast of the country. Carolina Sea Lavender has
been used to make wreaths. but because it is a slow-growing plant, this practice
endangers its population.
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College
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Texas Vervain

Texas Vervain, Verbena halei, is also known as Texas verbena, or slender verbena. It is a wildflower native to much of the southern US including Florida. Lavender-blue blooms appear on the slender branches that can reach 2 1/2 feet tall.
Look for Texas Vervain in fields, sandy soils, woodlands, pastures, and roadsides. Large numbers of native bees are attracted to its flowers. Cardinals and sparrows eat the seeds of this perennial shrub.
The butterfly-attracting Texas Vervain is a great option for xeriscaping. It loves the Florida sun, thrives in dry soil, and is drought tolerant. Propagation is by seed or root division.
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
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Saltwort

Saltwort, Batis maritime, is also known as turtleweed or beachwort.
A highly salt-tolerant shrub, Saltwort, is found in saltwater marshes and mangroves swamps. This long-lived perennial produces greenish-white flowers in late spring and is a host plant for larval and adult Great Southern White and Eastern Pigmy Blue butterflies. Some folks use Saltwort in salads as a salty herb.
Saltwort should be planted in sandy soil in an area with full sun or light shade. It grows 1-4 feet tall and has been used as a groundcover. Be sure to purchase yours from an accredited Florida Native Plant nursery.
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

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