Why Native Plants Are a Big Deal in Florida

 What Are Native Plants, Anyway?

If you live in Florida and care about the environment—even just a little—it’s worth knowing a thing or two about native plants. These are the plants that have been growing here naturally for thousands of years, long before lawns and landscaping companies showed up. And honestly? They’re kind of awesome.

                                            Photo Credit: Plantology USA

Built for Florida Life

Native plants are made for our unique climate. They know how to handle the heat, humidity, sandy soil, and crazy rainstorms. That means they don’t need a ton of water, fertilizer, or maintenance to thrive—which is great if you’re trying to save time, money, or the planet.

Helping Wildlife Starts in Your Yard

The best part? Native plants support wildlife. Birds, butterflies, bees, and other critters rely on them for food and shelter. For example, the coontie plant is the only host for the Atala butterfly, a species that was nearly wiped out but is now making a comeback thanks to native gardening.

                                            Photo Credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida

The Problem with Invasive Plants

Unfortunately, many non-native and invasive plants like Brazilian pepper and air potato are taking over. They grow aggressively and push out the plants that local wildlife depends on, throwing entire ecosystems out of balance.

What You Can Do (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

The good news? You don’t have to be a professional landscaper to make a difference. Whether you have a yard, a balcony, or just a few pots, adding native plants like firebush, blanketflower, or muhly grass can make a big impact.

Let’s Keep Florida Wild—Starting at Home

Protecting Florida’s wild side starts with what we choose to plant. So let’s bring back the natives—one yard, patio, or garden bed at a time.

Research supported by: UF IFAS Extension: Using Native Plants, Greenhouse Grower, & Florida Wildlife Federation

Ideas provided by ChatGPT