FFL Plant Selection Guide PDF

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to TM
Plant Selection & Landscape Design
A F L O R I D A - F R I E N D L Y L A N D S C A P I N G T M P U B L I C AT I O N
W H AT A R E F L O R I D A - F R I E N D LY L A N D S C A P E S ?
Florida-Friendly Landscapes protect Florida’s unique natural resources by conserving water, reducing waste and pollution,
creating wildlife habitat, and preventing erosion. Any landscape can be Florida-Friendly if it is designed and cared for
according to the nine Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM principles, which encourage individual expression of landscape
beauty. In 2009, the Florida Legislature found that the use of Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM and other water use and
pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and
that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conser-
vation and water quality protection and restoration. Make your landscape a Florida-Friendly Landscape — do your part to
create a more sustainable Florida!
SERVICES
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods is brought to Floridians by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service and the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the five Water Management Districts. UF/IFAS Extension
offers the public the following services in every county in the state at either no charge or for a minimal fee:
• Workshops and classes

• Plant and landscape advice based on current University of Florida research
• Official yard recognition program
The program also offers online resources, including numerous publications, a tutorial for custom landscape design, and a
plant database.
F L O R I D A - F R I E N D LY L A N D S C A P I N G T M P R O G R A M O F F I C E
Phone: (352) 273-4518

Web site: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu
Please visit our Web site to find your county Extension office.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to the following individuals for helping to produce this document:
Adrian Hunsberger David Sandrock Gary Knox Kim Gabel Stephen Brown
Alison Fox Dean Rusk Georgia Gelmis Larry Williams Sydney Park Brown
Angela Maraj Doug Caldwell Glenn Acomb Marguerite Beckford Sylvia Durrell
Barbra Larson Ed Gilman Heather Ritchie Mary Duryea Teresa Watkins
Bart Schutzman Eileen Tramontana Jane Morse Michael Scheinkman Terril Nell
Brian Niemann Emily Eubanks Jessica Sullivan Michael Thomas Terry DelValle
Chris Dewey Erick Smith Jim Moll Patty Connolly Tom MacCubbin
Claudia Larsen Erin Alvarez Joan Dusky Rick Schoellhorn Tom Wichman
Crysta Gantz Esen Momol Jyotsna Sharma Sandy Wilson Wendy Wilber
Dan Culbert Gail Hansen Kathy Malone Sarah Graddy
Copyright 2010, University of Florida.

This publication was funded in part by FDEP with a Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
DISCLAIMER: The mention of a specific product or company is for information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of that product or company.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION: ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

What Is a Florida-Friendly Landscape? ............................2 Form Follows Function ..................................................23
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program ................2 Plant Matchmaking ........................................................23
Landscape Design & Plant Selection ................................2 Wet versus Dry................................................................23
How to Use this Book ......................................................2 Wind-Wise Plantings ......................................................23
Made in the Shade ..........................................................23
THE NINE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY The Lowdown on Turfgrass ............................................23
LANDSCAPING™ PRINCIPLES Natives versus Non-Natives ............................................23
#1: Right Plant, Right Place ..............................................3 Soil Conditions................................................................23
#2: Water Efficiently ........................................................3 Plant Selection ................................................................23
#3: Fertilize Appropriately ................................................3 Plant Sorting....................................................................24
#4: Mulch ..........................................................................3 Choosing a Landscape Maintenance Service ..................24
#5: Attract Wildlife............................................................3
#6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly ..................................3 LANDSCAPE PLANNING WORKSHEET ....................25
#7: Recycle ........................................................................3
#8: Prevent Stormwater Runoff ........................................4 FIVE COMMON GARDENING MISTAKES ................28
#9: Protect the Waterfront ................................................4
FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™
DESIGNING YOUR PLANT LIST
FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE Introduction ....................................................................29
Introduction ......................................................................5 Key to Symbols and Abbreviations ................................31
What if I Live in a Planned Community? ........................5 Large Trees ......................................................................32
Design Scenarios: Medium Trees..................................................................38
Scenario A: Front Entry ..............................................6 Small Trees ......................................................................42
Scenario B: Along Walls ............................................8 Large Shrubs....................................................................50
Scenario C: Along Sidewalks ..................................10 Small Shrubs....................................................................64
Scenario D: Under Windows ....................................12 Vines................................................................................67
Scenario E: Along Fences..........................................14 Groundcovers..................................................................70
Scenario F: Under Trees ............................................16 Grasses ............................................................................74
Scenario G: Utilities ..................................................18 Palms & Palm-Like Plants ..............................................76
Scenario H: Standing Water ......................................20 Ferns................................................................................81
Perennials ........................................................................83
CONVERTING YOUR YARD Annuals ..........................................................................95
TO A FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE Turfgrass ..........................................................................99
Overview of the Step-by-Step Process ............................21
The Florida-Friendly Master Plan ..................................21 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Seven Steps ..............................................................21 References......................................................................100
Photo Credits ................................................................100
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A Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Publication
Introduction
WHAT IS A FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE? LANDSCAPE DESIGN & PLANT SELECTION

A Florida-Friendly Landscape is a quality landscape that is So, how do plant selection and landscape design con-
designed, installed, and maintained according to the nine tribute to saving water and preventing pollution? The first
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. The nine prin- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle—“Right Plant,
ciples seek to reduce environmental impact from landscap- Right Place”—involves designing a landscape efficiently
ing by properly applying water, fertilizer, and pesticides, and choosing plants that fit the site. This helps reduce
creating wildlife habitat, preventing erosion, recycling maintenance inputs, including irrigation, fertilization,
yard waste, and employing other practices based on mowing, and application of pesticides, which in turn low-
University of Florida research. ers the risk of pollutants finding their way into ground or
surface waters. Keeping excess nitrogen and phosphorous
Not all Florida-Friendly Landscapes look alike. A wide out of the water improves the health of water bodies and
variety of forms, styles, and types are available to the by extension the whole ecosystem. This guide will help
designer. Florida-Friendly Landscapes may incorporate you to create a landscape that works with the natural
both native and non-native plants. One Florida-Friendly environment, rather than against it. Such a landscape, if
yard may use a rain garden to filter stormwater runoff, maintained correctly, will require less money, time, and
while another may attract pollinators with specific nectar effort on your part, while still looking healthy and beauti-
plants. But if cared for according to the nine principles, a ful.
Florida-Friendly Landscape can produce aesthetically
pleasing, low-maintenance results that may add value to HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
your property while helping to protect the state’s natural The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant
resources. Selection and Landscape Design is intended as a compan-
ion to The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook
THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY (4th ed., 2009). The Handbook is available through
LANDSCAPING™ PROGRAM your county Extension office or online at
Preserving and protecting Florida’s water resources is the http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/. The Handbook describes in detail
focus of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles
Program, which promotes the nine principles with public that are the bedrock of the FFL Program. This guide is
outreach and education statewide. The FFL Program is a intended for homeowners who want to take the next step
joint venture of the Florida Department of Environmental and design their own Florida-Friendly Landscapes.
Protection (FDEP) and the University of Florida Institute Included in this book is information on landscape design
of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The FFL strategies, a landscape planning worksheet, and the FFL
Program works in cooperation with the state’s five water Plant List containing many of the UF/IFAS-recommended
management districts and other agencies and organiza- Florida-Friendly plants for each region of the state.
tions to achieve the common goals of water conservation
and water quality protection.
2
F L O R I D A - F R I E N D LY L A N D S C A P I N G T M G U I D E T O P L A N T S E L E C T I O N A N D L A N D S C A P E D E S I G N • 2 0 1 0
The Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles
The nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles are

the cornerstone of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ PRINCIPLE #4: MULCH
Program. Based on UF/IFAS science, the principles teach
homeowners, builders and developers, landscape mainte- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ methods recommend
nance professionals, and other Florida citizens how to using mulch to protect against soil erosion, maintain soil
implement environmentally sound design and maintenance moisture, inhibit weed growth, improve soil structure
techniques in their landscapes. The principles are outlined and aeration, and reduce pesticide use. A Florida-
briefly here. For more detailed information, please refer to Friendly Landscape will feature one of the types of
the FFL state office Web site (http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu) or to mulch recommended in The Florida Yards &
The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook. Neighborhoods Handbook in its planting beds.
PRINCIPLE #1: RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

PRINCIPLE #5: ATTRACT WILDLIFE
Plants well-suited to their site need less irrigation and fertilizer
and are more resistant to pest infestation. Florida-Friendly
Landscaping™ principles encourage the selection of the right Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ encourages Floridians to
plant for the right place, helping you create a healthy, attrac- make their yards attractive to birds, bees, bats, and other
tive landscape that works with the natural ecosystem rather creatures displaced by rapid urban development. Supply
than against it. Match plants with site conditions based on berry bushes, a bird bath, or a bat house; increase verti-
USDA zone, water and light requirements, soil conditions, salt cal layering to provide habitat; manage household pets
and wind tolerance, and other factors. The FFL Plant List can and reduce insecticide use—all these tricks can welcome
help you make the right plant selections for your landscape. wild visitors in need of refuge. Many of these will return
the favor by eating pest insects and helping to pollinate
your garden!
PRINCIPLE #2: WATER EFFICIENTLY
PRINCIPLE #6: MANAGE YARD PESTS RESPONSIBLY

Overwatering not only depletes water supplies, it raises
your water bill and makes landscapes more prone to pest
infestation. If needed, irrigate plants according to The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program advocates a
UF/IFAS-recommended rates and application schedules, more holistic approach to pest control than merely spray-
taking into account local restrictions issued by your water ing chemicals. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) creates
management district. Water only when plants show signs an effective defense against yard pests while minimizing
of wilt, preferably in the early morning. Check your irriga- environmental impact. IPM emphasizes smart planning,
tion system regularly for leaks and clogs. Do not water if it proper maintenance, and natural or low-toxicity controls
has rained in the past 24 hours, or if rain is forecast in the to ensure that plants stay healthy and resist disease and
next 24 hours. By law you must install, maintain, and insect infestation. Chemical treatments may still be neces-
operate a device such as a rain sensor that prevents oper- sary in some cases, but use of toxic materials will be
ation of your automatic irrigation system during periods of minimized by this approach.
sufficient moisture.
PRINCIPLE #7: RECYCLE

PRINCIPLE #3: FERTILIZE APPROPRIATELY
A Florida-Friendly Landscape recycles yard waste
If fertilization is needed, use UF/IFAS-recommended rates generated by activities like mowing, pruning, and raking.
and application schedules to get a healthier lawn and gar- Use these leftovers as mulch or compost, returning valu-
den. Fertilizing at the correct times and in the correct able nutrients to your landscape. Save money and enrich
amounts not only supplies plants with the nutrients they need, your soil by composting grass clippings, weeds, and plant
it helps prevent fertilizer runoff and leaching that can get trimmings and using the compost as an amendment.
into our water supplies and interfere with ecosystem and
human health. Fertilizing at the rates recommended by UF
scientists helps avoid the excessive growth, pest problems,
and higher water requirements that over-fertilization causes.
3
PRINCIPLE #8: MANAGE STORMWATER RUNOFF
A Florida-Friendly Landscape uses porous pavers, rain

barrels or cisterns, rain gardens, and swales and berms to
keep rainwater on site and allow it to percolate into the
ground or be captured for later use. Reducing the amount
of runoff and the chance for rainwater to wash quickly
into storm drains—carrying yard clippings, fertilizer, pesti-
cide, dirt, oil, and other toxins—is the goal of managing
stormwater runoff.
PRINCIPLE #9: PROTECT THE WATERFRONT
Implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ design and

maintenance methods helps protect water bodies from pol-
lution. If you live on a lake, bay, river, or other water
body, keep fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxins away
from the water by preserving a 10-foot maintenance-free
zone between your landscape and the water. Do not mow,
fertilize, or apply pesticides in that area. Even if you do
not live immediately on the waterfront, the pesticides and
fertilizers you apply in your landscape affect the health of
local water bodies through a drainage system called the
watershed. The choices you make at home have much far-
ther-reaching consequences than you might imagine.
4
Designing Your Florida-Friendly Landscape
Florida-Friendly Landscapes are all based on the same The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program has a num-
nine principles. But Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ ber of “success stories” which highlight water and costs
encourages individual expression of beauty. As long as savings for communities that adopt Florida-Friendly
you apply the principles described in The Florida Yards & Landscaping™ and maintenance practices. Visit the Web
Neighborhoods Handbook, your landscape can be Florida- site at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/.
Friendly and as individual as you want.
DESIGN SCENARIOS
WHAT IF I LIVE IN A PLANNED COMMUNITY? The following eight design scenarios represent select
Check with your homeowner association before you make areas of your home landscape—front entry, under win-
changes to your landscape. HOAs, usually have a land- dows, utility boxes, etc. Each of these scenarios was cho-
scape review board and can regulate the appearance and sen because of common landscape design issues that con-
types of plantings in your yard, as long as they do not front a homeowner in these areas.
prohibit you from installing and maintaining Florida-
Friendly Landscapes. In each scenario, you will be shown a challenging land-
scape situation and learn what could be done to design a
If you live in a community with codes, covenants and solution in a more Florida-Friendly manner. Be aware
restrictions that could be more Florida-Friendly, encour- that the graphics show the improved landscapes at an
age your association to adopt all or part of the model early stage after plant installation. The plants will grow
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ restrictions, found at and eventually fill in more of the mulched area.
http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/.
5
SCENARIO A: FRONT ENTRY
Two design options (With trees, Without trees)
CHALLENGES:
• Not enough plant material in beds
• Plants are not in scale with front of house
GOAL:
To create a visually welcoming front entry

through the use of color, texture, or fra-
grance. Be sure to choose plants that are in
scale with the size of your lot and house.
Plant Characteristics to Look For:
• Low-growing, compact plants
• Colorful
• Medium or coarse texture
• Bold forms
House
• Simple growth habit
Design Solutions:
• Place low/small plants next to the walk-

way to reduce trimming needs
• Place interesting plants at natural view

points
Driveway
• Use small trees to provide a sense of
scale and visual interest
• Use colorful or fragrant plants to engage

the senses
Turf
• Use curved planting beds to draw the

viewer’s eye through the landscape
Sidewalk
Existing Landscape
6
SOLUTION 1 SOLUTION 2
With Trees Without Trees
House House
Tall shrub
Low plants adjacent

Small tree to sidewalk
Interesting plants at
natural view points
Turf Colorful plants
Sidewalk Sidewalk
7
SCENARIO B: ALONG WALLS
Two design options (With trees, Without trees)
CHALLENGES:
• Blank wall is not visually pleasing
• Bare walls act as a heat sink during the

summer
GOAL:
To break the monotony of blank walls through

the use of properly sized foundation plant-
ings. Small trees can be used to provide cool-
ing benefits as well.
• Low- or medium-height shrubs
• Soft/fine texture
• Loose foliage
• Flexible branches
House
Design Solutions:
• Place root ball at least 3’ from wall to

allow for air flow and maintenance access
• Choose plants with a tidy growth habit

and be aware of their mature size to
reduce trimming needs
• Choose plants that are color-compatible

with the wall
Turf
• Consider planting small trees to provide

shade and cooling benefits
Fence • Use slightly taller plants between windows

to break the monotony of a uniform hedge
• Use shrubs with soft/fine texture and flexi-

ble branches for easy pruning and to
reduce injury when accessing the wall for
maintenance
Existing Landscape
8
With Trees Without Trees
House House
Tall shrub
Low shrubs Medium height shrubs
Groundcover
Small tree
Turf
Turf Fence Fence
9
SCENARIO C: ALONG SIDEWALKS
Two design options (Turf buffer, Raised edging)
CHALLENGE:
• Turf is in poor condition
GOAL:
To reduce trimming and maintenance needs

adjacent to the sidewalk. A 4’ turf strip or
raised edging can be used to keep mulch
from washing onto the sidewalk.
• Low growing
• Compact growth habit
• Does not attract biting or stinging insects
Design Solutions:
• Reduce trimming and edging needs by

placing plants with clean, compact growth
habits closest to walkways or by using a
Fence turf strip of at least 4’ adjacent to the
sidewalk
• If a turf strip is not used, consider a

raised edging to keep mulch off sidewalks
House Turf • Avoid plants that attract biting or stinging

Sidewalk insects
• Use plants with interesting textures and

colors for close viewing
Existing Landscape
10
Turf Buffer Strip Raised Edging
Fence Fence
Turf Turf
Compact
House House groundcover
4' Turf strip
Sidewalk Sidewalk
Raised
edging
Interesting
growth
habit
Small tree
11
SCENARIO D: UNDER WINDOWS
Two design options (No screening, Light screening)
CHALLENGES:
• Dense plant blocks rear window
• No plant material around front window
GOAL:
To frame windows with plant material to add

visual interest and curb appeal. Alternately,
plant material can be used to provide light
screening of windows to prevent passersby
from seeing in through the windows.
• Medium height
• No thorns or stiff leaves
• Loose foliage
• Flexible branches
Design Solutions:
Turf
• Avoid blocking views by choosing plants

with medium height and compact growth
habits
• Choose shrubs with a tidy growth habit

and allow enough room to access win-
dows for cleaning and hanging storm
shutters
House
• Avoid stiff, thorny plants that would pre-

vent exiting from windows in an emer-
gency situation
• Be aware of the mature size of plants and

choose appropriately
Sidewalk
• Use small trees with low canopies if shade
or screening is desired
Existing Landscape
12
No Screening Light Screening
Groundcover
Medium height shrub
Open shrub
Low shrubs
Turf Turf
House House
Sidewalk Sidewalk
13
SCENARIO E: ALONG FENCES
Three design options (Vines, Partial screening, Full screening)
CHALLENGES:
• Bare fence is not visually pleasing
• View from yard needs screening (ex:

neighbor’s unsightly yard, road, etc.)
GOAL:
To turn an unsightly view into a visually

pleasing one through the use of colorful vines
and evergreen plants. Be sure to choose
appropriately sized plants for your design
intent.
• Dense foliage
• Upright form
• Evergreen
• Fast growing
Fence
• Vining
Design Solutions:
• Choose hardy vines with colorful blooms

or pleasant fragrance to hide the fence
• Choose fast-growing plants with dense

growth habits for screening and privacy
Turf • Select evergreen plants for year-round

privacy and color
• Use plants with appropriate height to

block unwanted views
Existing Landscape
14
SOLUTION 1 Fence
With Vines
Vine
Mulch
Turf
SOLUTION 2 Fence
With Partial Screening
Medium height shrub
Mulch
Turf
Evergreen tree
SOLUTION 3
Fence
With Full Screening
Evergreen tree
Turf
Mulch
15
SCENARIO F: UNDER TREES
Two design options (Open canopy, Dense shade)
CHALLENGES:
• Turf is in poor condition
• Plants are too close to trunk
• Mulch area is too small
GOAL:
To create a plant bed that will thrive in shady

conditions where turfgrass will not. Allowing
an area to be self-mulched by falling leaves
is an excellent low-maintenance solution.
• Shade tolerant
• Shallow roots
• Groundcover with spreading growth habit
Design Solutions:
• Use plants that look good alongside fallen

leaves
• Install small plants to avoid root damage

to the tree
House • In dense shade where plant options are

limited, consider allowing fallen leaves to
create a self-mulching bed
Turf
Sidewalk
Existing Landscape
16
Open Canopy Dense Shade
Low shrubs
Groundcover Self-mulching bed
House House
Turf Turf
Sidewalk Sidewalk
17
SCENARIO G: UTILITIES
Two design options (Full blend, Partial blend)
CHALLENGES:
• Utility box is not visually pleasing
GOAL:
To create a plant bed around an unsightly

utility to make it blend into the landscape. Be
sure to allow room to access the utility when
the need arises.
• Low/medium shrubs
• Simple growth habit
• Soft foliage
• No flowers/bees
• No thorns
Design Solutions:
• Consult with your local utility company

for planting regulations around utilities
Utility box • Use plants with soft foliage so the

branches can be bent back to allow for
access
• Don’t try to hide the utility but rather try

to make it blend in with the plant bed
Turf
• Consider the mail carrier and meter
reader when selecting plants, avoid
plants that attract stinging insects and
plants with thorns
Sidewalk
Existing Landscape
18
Full Blend Partial Blend
Low shrubs
Medium height shrubs
Utility box Utility box
Turf Turf Soft foliage
Sidewalk Sidewalk
19
SCENARIO H: STANDING WATER
One design option (Rain garden)
CHALLENGES:
• Water is slow to drain and collects in low areas
• Compacted soil
GOAL:
To turn low wet areas into rain gardens that will

collect and filter rain water. Rain gardens can be
attractive features in dry times as well if appro-
priate plant and material selections are made.
• Ability to survive prolonged wet conditions
• Also able to tolerate dry conditions (when

water is absent)
Design Solutions:
• Consider having the low area(s) excavated

by a professional and use the excess soil to
create berms around the rain garden
• Use plants that will survive wet (or dry) con-

ditions for long periods of time
• Line the bottom of the rain garden with

rocks and boulders to provide visual interest
during dry periods
Existing Landscape
SOLUTION 1
Rain Garden
Water flow
Rock lining
Water
flow
Water flow
20
Converting Your Yard to a Florida-Friendly Landscape
A Florida-Friendly Landscape is ecologically sound and • Composition: Group and arrange plants in overlapping
cost effective. If you get the chance to design a landscape masses based on the size, form, color, and growing
from scratch, you can go Florida-Friendly all at once. But requirements.
sometimes it is not practical for a homeowner with an
established landscape to make the changeover to a • Emphasis: Use dramatically different plants as focal
Florida-Friendly design immediately. Converting an estab- points to attract attention.
lished yard to a Florida-Friendly Landscape can be done
most effectively in about three years and seven steps. THE SEVEN STEPS
The seven-steps described below illustrate the phased
OVERVIEW OF THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS process of converting a landscape, including the addition
First, develop a master plan on paper. Second, install any of new hardscape, trees, and Florida-Friendly plant mate-
patios, walkways, or decks (hardscapes). Heavy equipment rial to a typical development landscape. If all steps are
and materials used in the construction of hardscapes should followed, the final product will be a Florida-Friendly
be used before planting to avoid crushing the plants. Third, Landscape created over a three-year period.
prepare areas to plant trees. Trees should be planted before
other plants because they require more time to reach a size STEP 1: DEVELOP A MASTER PLAN
that will provide shade and mulch (leaf litter). The final Include some of the following elements in your Florida-
steps in the conversion involve working in small sections Friendly Master Landscape Plan:
and installing plant beds and mulch in phases.
• Turf areas, plant beds, and mulch areas
THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY MASTER PLAN
Whether you are designing a landscape from scratch or • Entertainment and circulation areas such as pathways,
converting to a Florida-Friendly Landscape, create a decks, and patios
Florida-Friendly Master Landscape Plan. This is a com-
plete plan for your yard that includes all elements in pre- • Trees and shrubs (placed for energy efficiency and as
cise locations and takes into account the nine Florida- screens/buffers for views)
Friendly Landscaping ™ principles.
• Plantings to screen A/C units & utilities
To create the master plan, you may find it helpful to use
the Landscape Planning Worksheet provided in this guide • Concealed work/trash area
or a similar form. Conduct a site inventory and analysis
to determine the opportunities and constraints of your • Wildlife habitat plantings
yard. Pay attention to soil type, existing vegetation, shade
patterns, drainage patterns, views, and utility locations. • Garden shed/compost bin
Homeowners should also consider their needs and wants.
• Cisterns/rain barrels (located by downspouts)
Draw the master plan to scale, including property bound-
aries from a certified survey, the location of the house and • Rainwater collection areas (low spots or rain gardens)
any existing hardscape, and the location of any trees or
plants to remain on site. Complete the master plan by STEP 2: INSTALL HARDSCAPES
adding all proposed plants, hardscapes, and specified con- (PATIOS, WALKWAYS, DECKS, POOLS, ETC.)
struction materials. If applicable, check with your HOA • Call before you dig. State law requires that you call
before beginning the design process, and be sure to the free Utility Locator Service at 811 at least
obtain final approval from the responsible committee. two full business days before you dig.
http://www.callsunshine.com/
Use the nine FFL principles, design elements, and funda-
mentals of design described in this guide to create outdoor • Install all new hardscapes at the same time to save
“rooms” by using pathways, hardscapes, and plants to money by not destroying plants later.
divide and organize spaces. Also consider the following:
• Use porous pavers, concrete or gravel, to allow
• Proportion: Keep the size of the plants proportional to stormwater drainage.
the house and yard.
• Use durable materials and, whenever possible, use
• Variety: Make the yard interesting by having variation in reclaimed, reprocessed, or recycled-content materials
plant sizes (especially heights), color, texture, and shape. (EDIS pub 1110/EP374).
21
• Minimize the movement of trucks and equipment in • If you are not installing the plants, hire landscape con-
the yard to avoid soil compaction. tractors certified in Florida-Friendly Green Industry
Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs).
• If using underground irrigation, install the system
before installing plants. • Mulch newly installed plants to control weeds and
reduce runoff (EDIS pub ENH103/MG251).
STEP 3: CREATE NEW TREE BEDS
• Mark the edge of the new tree bed with a rope. • Follow a UF/IFAS-recommended irrigation schedule
until plants are established (EDIS pub ENH857/EP113)
• Remove sod or other plant material and till to aerate and then reduce irrigation as needed.
soil in tree bed area.
STEP 7: REPEAT STEPS 5 & 6
• Put down a 2-3”-thick layer of Florida-Friendly mulch FOR ADDITIONAL PHASES OF PLANT BEDS
to protect the soil. • Additional phases of Plant Beds are determined by your
needs. For Phase II , you may choose to plant the area
STEP 4: INSTALL TREES that is contiguous to the Phase I plants, or you may
• Choose healthy trees appropriate for your climate and decide to plant another area of the garden that is used
conditions (wind, moisture, soil, etc.), and use proper often or for a different purpose.
installation techniques (EDIS pub ENH856/EP112).
• Follow the procedures used in Phase I to prepare beds
• Wind proof by grouping trees together and locate to and install the Phase II plants. If a temporary irrigation
provide selective shade. system was used in Phase I, the system can be relocated
to use in Phase II.
• Call to locate underground utility lines before digging.
• Remember the plants in Phase II will initially be small-
• Install any new trees located near proposed hardscape er than the plants in Phase I, but they will quickly
after the hardscape is installed (Step 2). catch up and fill in the space.
STEP 5: PREPARE (PHASE I) PLANT BEDS • You may want to choose less visible areas for the last
• Consult the master plan to decide where to install the phase(s).
first planted area. Your choice will be determined by
your needs. • Again, follow the procedure used in previous phases
I and II to prepare and install additional beds.
• Remember to leave clear access to the backyard if you
do the front yard first. • Remember the plants in later phases will be smaller
than the plants in the earlier phases, but they will also
• Use boundaries such as walkways, fences, or house cor- quickly catch up.
ners to determine the extent of the planted area.
• Maintain the yard with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
STEP 6: INSTALL (PHASE I) PLANT BEDS principles described in The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
• Relocate existing plants as indicated on the master plan Handbook and in this publication. If you are not main-
and space relocated and new plants accordingly. taining the landscape, hire a landscape contractor who is
certified in the GI-BMPs.
• Use proper installation practices for planting (EDIS pub
ENH856/EP112).
22
Ecological Considerations
Florida-Friendly Landscape design combines art and sci- cannot escape, the intake air temperature rises, causing
ence to create functional, attractive, and ecologically the unit to operate less efficiently.
sound surroundings that complement a home or other
structure. But Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ guidelines THE LOWDOWN ON TURFGRASS
need not restrict your choices of color, texture, and style. Healthy lawns cool and clean the air by absorbing carbon
Here are some tips to bear in mind when planning your dioxide, releasing oxygen, and collecting dust and dirt.
landscape. They filter stormwater runoff and reduce erosion, glare,
and noise. But the many benefits of grass are only realized
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION when it’s cared for and used properly. Grass thrives in
Landscape designers often recommend grouping plants sunny areas, but most types do not grow well in dense
into masses to unify the design of plant beds. Groups of shade. In shady spots, plant shade-tolerant groundcovers
plants are visually pleasing, and this technique also pro- instead of turf.
vides environmental benefits. Trees planted in groups pro-
vide more atmospheric cooling than the same number of NATIVES VERSUS NON-NATIVES
evenly spaced, isolated trees and are much better protect- A common misconception is that Florida-Friendly
ed in high winds. In addition, trees planted in combina- Landscaping™ principles dictate the use of only plant
tion with appropriate shrubs and groundcovers form effec- species native to Florida. In fact, the FFL Program encour-
tive windbreaks and wildlife habitat. ages a mix of natives and non-natives, depending on what
plants are right for that particular location. “Right Plant,
PLANT MATCHMAKING Right Place” governs the selection of plants, bearing in
Turfgrasses and landscape plants have different water, fer- mind the soil, light, water, wind, and other conditions at
tilizer, and maintenance needs. Group plants in beds that site. Do not forget to consider plant colors, textures,
according to water requirements to conserve water and and bloom times. See the IFAS Assessment of Non-native
make maintenance easier. Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/
assessment/conclusions.html) for a list of invasive species
WET VERSUS DRY that should be removed where possible and never planted.
Many drought-tolerant plants thrive in elevated dry spots
or in windy areas but can quickly succumb to root dis- SOIL CONDITIONS
eases and pest problems if planted in areas that tend to It is important to know your soil type before selecting
stay wet. Drought-tolerant plants do well in exposed areas plants for the site. Your landscape may have different soil
and along the unshaded southern or western walls of types in different areas. A soil test can tell you the pH of
buildings, but you should place plants adapted to wet soils your soil and what amendments may be used, such as
in low spots, along waterways, and in areas with poor compost or manure, to improve or alter your soil condi-
drainage. tions. If your soil is compacted, as is frequently the case
on new home sites, you should loosen and amend your
WIND-WISE PLANTINGS soil as you add planting beds for optimum root health.
Florida winter winds tend to blow from the north or
northwest. A solid fence or a row of evergreens on the PLANT SELECTION
north side of a house forms a barrier against cold winter The choice of plants determines how much maintenance a
winds, which can dry and damage plants. In the summer, landscape requires and also how long it lasts. Use these
winds typically originate in the south, so allow cooling steps as a guide to selecting the right plants for the right
breezes in your outdoor living spaces by keeping tall bar- places in your Florida-Friendly yard.
riers away from the southern edge of your landscape.
Since Florida is frequently in the path of hurricanes, • Choose low-maintenance plants suited to your site.
choose trees that are known for sturdiness in high winds.
• Welcome wildlife.
MADE IN THE SHADE
Position trees and shrubs strategically to help cool or heat • Group high-maintenance plants together for greater
your home. Plant deciduous shade trees on the south, visual impact and easier care.
east, and west sides of a house to cast shade in summer
and allow warming in winter. Tree shade can significantly • Eliminate invasive plants.
reduce air conditioning costs. An air-conditioning system’s
outdoor compressor/condenser unit uses less energy when • Buy quality plants.
it is shaded from direct sun during the day, but be careful
not to block the unit’s airflow. If the warm discharge air • Consider the mature size of the plant.
23
• Avoid monocultures and aim for a mosaic of trees, • Retain trees with long life spans.
shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.
• Save clusters of trees and the plants growing beneath
• Plan turf areas to be functional and low-maintenance. them.
• Use groundcovers on slopes where grass is difficult to • Remove unsuitable plants.

maintain.
• Relocate plantings out from under eaves.
• Choose slow-growing plants that will last longer and
create less work. CHOOSING A LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
• Consider wind tolerance. If you lack the desire or ability to do your own landscape
work, you may decide to hire a professional maintenance
• Think of maintenance requirements. company. Look for companies whose employees have
obtained a certificate of completion in the Florida-Friendly
PLANT SORTING Best Management Practices for Protection of Water
If you are renovating your landscape, it is wise to keep Resources by the Green Industries (GI-BMPs). These profes-
some of the plants you already have. Follow these simple sionals will know how to care for your landscape in a
guidelines to sift through your botanical choices. Florida-Friendly manner. In many areas of Florida this train-
ing is already mandatory; by January 1, 2014, all commercial
• Keep healthy plants. fertilizer applicators must have this certificate of completion
and the accompanying license from the Department of
• Discard tightly spaced plants. Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
24
Landscape Planning Worksheet
This worksheet can be used for both new and established landscapes. By following these steps, you will be on your way to a
thriving, low-maintenance landscape suited to your climate and needs.
1. Decide why you want to landscape.

Most homeowners think of landscaping as a way to add beauty to their home or to improve their property’s resale value. Other
reasons to landscape are more specific, such as enhancing or screening a view, creating a microclimate, or attracting wildlife. You
may need a play area for your children, or perhaps you would like to entertain family and friends outdoors. Your passion may be
raising vegetables or simply savoring a lovely view.
Before you begin, think about how you will use your landscape. Write down as many ideas as possible. It is much easier to
remove elements from your plan than it is to add them down the line.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Obtain a soil analysis.

Soil plays a big part in any landscape project, influencing what plants will thrive in your yard. Determine your soil’s texture
(sandy to clay), and have it tested to determine the pH—the level of acidity or alkalinity. This information will help you decide
which plants are best suited to the conditions of your yard.
Soil texture: ___________________________________
pH: __________________________________________
Any exceptions? (For example, the place where you want to put a planting bed may have more acidic soil than other areas in the
landscape.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Draw a site plan.

You can use a pencil, ruler and graph paper, or computer software to draw your site plan. Do not worry about getting the scale
just right. If you have a survey of your property, you can copy it and draw on the copies.
Draw your house and existing trees, shrubs, and other plants you want to keep. If you already have an irrigation system, be sure
to note its location and various zones. Include permanent features such as utilities, hardscapes like the driveway, and water
sources like spigots. See the sample site plan provided for guidance.
25
4. Inventory your landscape.
Walk around your property with your site plan, noting conditions and features that make your yard unique. Does your site call
for plants that are tolerant of cold, wind, full sun, shade, drought, occasional flooding, or salt spray? Be sure to make note of any
particularly good views that could be enhanced or bad views that need to be screened. See the sample site inventory & analysis
provided for guidance.
What kinds of conditions does your landscape have? ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Draw an activity diagram.

On a clean copy of your site plan, sketch the locations where activities will take place (refer to your answers for step 1). Make
sure to consider views. Is there a spot you regularly look at that you want to enhance with plants that attract birds or butterflies?
Are there structures or equipment, such as a utility box or shed, which you would like to hide? See the sample activity diagram
provided for guidance.
26
6. Create a landscape plan.
Your landscape plan will be guided by the site inventory and analysis and activity maps discussed in steps 4 and 5. Based on
these other two diagrams, determine the types of plants you want in different locations. Do not worry about choosing specific
plants yet—just identify where you want trees, shrubs, groundcovers, flowering plants, and grass areas. See the sample landscape
plan provided in the next section for guidance.
THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Now that you have a plan, you can choose plants suited for the conditions in your landscape using the Florida-Friendly
Landscaping™ Plant List beginning on page 29.
27
Five Common Gardening Mistakes
Avoid these five common mistakes for a more Florida- Solution:

Friendly Landscape. Never remove more than 30 percent of the foliage from an
ornamental plant or shrub at one time. Know the right
1. OVERWATERING: WATERING TO THE POINT OF time of year to prune your plant, and use plants that are
RUNOFF OR LEACHING the right size for the location.
Problem: 4. FERTILIZING INAPPROPRIATELY: APPLYING MORE

Creates pest and disease problems, wastes water, and can FERTILIZER THAN NECESSARY, APPLYING THE
wash pollutants into water bodies. WRONG KIND OF FERTILIZER, OR APPLYING IT
AT THE WRONG TIME OF YEAR
Solution:
Do not water if it has rained in the past 24 hours, or if Problem:
rain is forecast in the next 24 hours. Check your irrigation Can cause pollution if washed into ground or surface
system regularly, make sure you apply only moderate water, causing fish kills and unhealthy algal blooms. Can
amounts of water, and ensure that your rainfall shutoff also burn plant roots.
device is working.
Solution:
2. OVERPLANTING: DESIGNING A LANDSCAPE Fertilize only when needed, using a fertilizer containing
WITH MORE PLANTS THAN CAN BE ADEQUATELY slow-release nitrogen. For turf, do not exceed the rate of 1
SUSTAINED lb. total N per 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn at each application.
Use compost and other soil amendments to supply plant
Problem: nutrients instead of fertilizing. “Weed and feed” products
Can result in cramped plants more prone to disease. are not recommended.
Crowded plantings can also interfere with sidewalk and
driveway access and block views from windows. 5. USING PESTICIDES INCORRECTLY: APPLYING
MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF
Solution: PESTICIDES, APPLYING THE WRONG PESTICIDES,
Design landscapes with the plants’ mature sizes in mind. If OR APPLYING THEM TOO OFTEN
landscapes must look “full” quickly, use plants that are
already at mature or nearly mature size. Problem:
Can cause insects to develop resistance to the chemicals
3. OVERPRUNING: REMOVING MORE FOLIAGE OR and may harm beneficial garden insects.
BRANCHES FROM A PLANT THAN IS HEALTHY FOR IT
Solution:
Problem: Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for an environ-
Can weaken trees and shrubs, making them more suscep- mentally friendly approach to pest management. Avoid
tible to insect or disease problems. overwatering and fertilizing inappropriately to help keep
pests from becoming a problem.
28
Florida-Friendly Plant List
The plants on this Florida-Friendly Plant List are considered by UF/IFAS horticulture specialists to be well adapted
to growing in Florida landscapes. The plants on this list are not the only plants that can be used in Florida. Contact
your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office to determine if a plant not on the list is suitable for your region.
When planted under appropriate soil, light, and climatic conditions, most plants on the list generally require little
maintenance compared with other plants. Each plant’s preferred growing conditions (soil pH, soil texture, relative
drought tolerance, soil drainage/moisture, light range, light optimum, and salt tolerance) are included here as a
guide to choosing plants for your specific site conditions. Additional information is given on growth rate, mature
height and spread, flowering color and season, value to wildlife, wind resistance and other characteristics helpful
for plant selection and maintenance.
Many plants listed as Annuals are considered Perennials in some areas of the state and vice versa. The microcli-
mate and the amount of care given to the plants will ultimately determine their staying power in the landscape.
See the key to symbols and abbreviations used in the tables for details. Remember to always put the right plant in
the right place by matching each plant’s needs with the environmental conditions found at the site. There may be
variation in some characteristics, especially in the region (north, central or south) of Florida in which plants will
grow. Check with your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office to confirm the appropriateness of specific plants (look in
the government pages of your phone book or see http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map for your county’s contact
information).
USE THE LIST TO CHOOSE PLANTS BASED ON YOUR listed. (Take samples and obtain a soil test through
SITE CONDITIONS, FOLLOWING THESE STEPS: your county’s Extension office.)
1. Find out and write down the conditions of the bed or • Soil moisture (Is it in a high, dry area or a low area
other area you want to plant: where water frequently accumulates? To check
drainage, dig a small hole, add water and see how
• The region of the state you live in. (Check the map quickly the water drains – if water stands for more
on page 2 and remember that if you live close to than 24 hours, consider it a wet site.)
the border of a region, all of the plants listed for
that region may not do well in your area and some • Exposure to salt spray or salty irrigation water.
of the plants that do well in the next region may do
well in your area.) • Size of area for plants. (Are there height restrictions
such as a window nearby or power lines above? Is
• The amount of light the site receives. (Check at the width of the area limited?)
various times throughout the day and through the
seasons.) 2. Determine the type of plant you want (tree, shrub,
etc.) and go to that category on the list.
• Soil pH and texture. The pH ranges given in the
legend are not absolute, but rather for guidance as 3. Narrow down the list by choosing plants that match
to the optimum pH conditions. Some plants may do the region, light, soil conditions and moisture at the
well if the pH is slightly higher or lower than those site.
29
4. Further narrow your list to those plants that will fit This list is meant as a guide to start choosing plants
the site based on mature height and spread. appropriate for your conditions. The absence of a plant
from this list does not imply that it is not well adapted to
5. Consider the need for salt tolerant plants, if applica- Florida landscape conditions. This list will be updated
ble, and any additional factors you are interested in, periodically. Please check with your county’s UF/IFAS
such as wildlife value or flower color and season. Extension office for future updates.
For further assistance, contact the Florida Yards & For additional information and fact sheets on many of the
Neighborhoods or horticulture program at your county’s plants on this list, see also http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/.
UF/IFAS Extension office.
30
KEY TO SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
FLORIDA REGION ZONES: USDA COLD HARDINESS ZONES:

Region (includes Florida regions in which plant will grow): Includes Florida zones only.
NORTH
N = North USDA cold hardiness

CENTRAL zones are listed to
C = Central
the right of the
S = South Florida Region
zones.
SOUTH
NATIVE STATUS:
Yes = Florida native No = Not a Florida native Var. = Native status depends on species selection
GROWTH RATE, HEIGHT AND SPREAD:
ñ
Growth rate = Slow or Fast (if no rate is given the plant does not grow exceptionally fast or slow.)
= mature height in feet ð = mature spread in feet
SOIL pH (GIVES THE RANGE TOLERATED BY THE PLANT):
= Acid 4.5-5.5 = Slightly acid to slightly alkaline 6.0-7.2
= Acid to slightly acid 4.5-6.5 = Slightly acid to alkaline 6.0-8.0
= Acid to slightly alkaline 4.5-7.2 = Tolerates any soil pH 4.5-8.0
= Slightly acid 6.0-6.8
SOIL TEXTURE:
C/L = clay loam S/L = sandy loam S = sandy S/C = sandy clay any = any texture
SOIL MOISTURE:
= well drained = wet = medium drained to wet
= medium drained = well drained to medium drained = well drained to wet
DROUGHT TOLERANCE:
High, Medium, Low, or None
(Note: Both drought tolerance and soil moisture tolerance should be considered, and they are not the same. For example, a plant may toler-
ate wet soils and also have high drought tolerance, and another plant may prefer well drained soils but have low drought tolerance.)
LIGHT RANGE AND LIGHT OPTIMUM:

= Full Sun = Partial Shade = Shade = Optimum light conditions
SALT TOLERANCE:
H = High M = Medium L-N = Low to None U = Unknown
WILDLIFE:
= Attracts butterflies = Attracts hummingbirds = Attracts other birds
31
LARGE TREES
Scientific Acer barbatum Acer rubrum Betula nigra Bucida buceras

Common Florida Maple, Red Maple River Birch Black Olive, Oxhorn Bucida,
Southern Sugar Maple Gregorywood
Reg/Native N 8b-9a Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C 8-9a Yes S 10b-11 No
G, H, S 25-60ñ 25-40ð Fast 35-80ñ 25-35ð 40-50ñ 25-35ð Fast 45-60ñ 35-50ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium Low High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N H
Wildlife
also known as Acer saccharum red, winter through spring flow- needs soil space for root white, spring flowers; messy
ssp. floridanum; green, spring ers; red fall foliage; susceptible expansion; grows best with fruit and leaves; medium-low
flowers; susceptible to aphids to aphids, cottony maple scale, high soil moisture; chlorosis wind resistance; susceptible to
and cottony maple scale and gall mites; shallow-rooted; develops in alkaline soil; toler- pests; caution - may be invasive
does best in rich, organic soils; ates periodic flooding but not in South Florida
good for wet sites; medium to long periods of drought; medi-
low wind resistance um to high wind resistance
Scientific Carya spp. Chorisia speciosa Conocarpus erectus Ficus aurea

Common Hickories, Pecan Floss-silk Tree Buttonwood, Strangler Fig
Silver Buttonwood
Reg/Native N C 8b-9a Yes C S 9b-11 No S 10b-11 Yes S 10b-11 Yes
G, H, S 50-100ñ 25-70ð Fast 35-50ñ 40-55ð 5-50ñ 15-20ð Fast 40-60ñ 30-50ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High High High High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N H M
Wildlife
edible fruit (C. illinoinensis); rapid grower first few years; white/cream, spring flowers; not for small areas; spreading
white/yellow, spring flowers; deciduous, pink/white, five- susceptible to pests; high wind canopy shades parks, large yards;
high wind resistance for C. petaled fall through winter flow- resistance; provides cover and may start as epiphyte, killing host
tree (often encircling cabbage
floridana, medium to high for ers; large roots form at base nesting for wildlife
palm); fallen fruits may be messy;
C. glabra and C. tomentosa, just beneath soil medium-low wind resistance, can
low for C. illinoinensis; be difficult to distinguish from inva-
susceptible to pests sive species; susceptible to pests
32
LARGE TREES
Fraxinus americana Fraxinus caroliniana Fraxinus pennsylvanica Gordonia lasianthus
White Ash Pop Ash, Carolina Ash, Green Ash Loblolly Bay
Water Ash
N 8 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes
50-80ñ 50-80ð 30-50ñ 20-35ð 50-100ñ 30-70ð Slow 30-60ñ 20-30ð
Any Any Any C/L
Medium Medium Medium Low
L-N L-N L-N L-N
tolerates occasionally wet soil; good plant for retention ponds, good for shaded areas; white, spring through summer
does not tolerate compacted swales and canal banks; does medium to low wind resistance; flowers; good for retention
soil; susceptible to ash borer, best in rich, organic soils susceptible to pests; does best pond edges; can tolerate
cankers, and leaf spots; medi- in rich, organic soils full sun only with sufficient
um-high wind resistance moisture; does best in rich,
organic soils; susceptible to
nematodes
Halesia carolina Juniperus virginiana Liquidambar styraciflua Liriodendron tulipifera

Carolina Silverbell Red Cedar Sweetgum Tulip Poplar, Tulip Tree,
Yellow Poplar
N 8 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N 8-9a Yes
20-40ñ 15-30ð Fast 40-50ñ 10-25ð 40-100ñ 40-60ð 80-100ñ 40-80ð
Any Any Any Any
Medium High Medium Medium
L-N H M L-N
showy, white, spring flowers; very similar to Juniperus many cultivars; provides food yellow/orange, spring through
yellow fall foliage with attrac- silicicola but branches for wildlife; medium to high summer flowers; susceptible
tive yellow fruit; understory tree straighter; provides food for wind resistance pests and diseases; newly
that does best in rich, organic wildlife transplanted trees susceptible
soil; water during drought and to leaf yellowing and drop
avoid compacted soils w/o enough moisture; low
wind resistance
33
LARGE TREES
Scientific Litchi chinensis Lysiloma latisiliquum Magnolia grandiflora and cvs. Magnolia virginiana and cvs.
Common Lychee Wild Tamarind, Southern Magnolia Sweet Bay Magnolia
Bahama Lysiloma
Reg/Native S 10a-11 No S 10b-11 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes
G, H, S Fast 20-30ñ 20-30ð Fast 40-60ñ 30-45ð 40-80ñ 15-40ð 40-60ñ 20-50ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High Medium None
Light/Best
Salt
L-N H H L-N
Wildlife
small, yellow, early spring small, white/pink, spring white/cream, fragrant, summer white, spring flowers; small red
flowers; edible fruit in June through summer flowers; flowers; attractive red seeds seeds provide food for wildlife;
and July; susceptible to scales medium to high wind provide food for wildlife; tolerates medium-high wind resistance
occasionally wet soil; high wind
resistance
resistance; leaves and fruit
require frequent cleanup; attrac-
tive pyramidal growth habit;
susceptible to scale
Scientific Nyssa sylvatica Persea americana Pinus clausa Pinus elliottii var. densa
Common Tupelo, Black Gum Avocado Sand Pine Southern Slash Pine
Reg/Native N 8b-9a Yes C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-10b Yes C S 9-11 Yes

G, H, S Slow 65-75ñ 25-35ð Fast 35-40ñ 25-35ð Slow 25-40ñ 15-25ð Fast 75-100ñ 35-50ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium High High
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N H H
Wildlife
showy fall color; white, many cultivars for edible fruit; flammable - in wildfire prone flammable - in wildfire prone
inconspicuous spring flowers; low wind resistance; susceptible areas, plant minimum 30' from areas, plant minimum 30' from
medium to high wind resistance to pests buildings; trunk is rarely buildings; medium to low wind
resistance; seeds provide food for
straight; makes a nice accent in
wildlife; tolerates occasionally wet
a large scale landscape; seeds soil; declines if roots and surround-
provide food for wildlife ing areas are compacted or dis-
turbed; susceptible to pests
34
LARGE TREES
Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Pinus glabra Pinus palustris Pinus taeda
Northern Slash Pine Spruce Pine Longleaf Pine Loblolly Pine
N C 8-9 Yes N 8-9a Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9b Yes

Fast 75-100ñ 35-50ð Slow 30-60ñ 25-40ð 60-80ñ 30-40ð Fast 50-80ñ 30-35ð
Any Any Any Any
High Medium High Medium
H L-N L-N M
flammable – in wildfire prone flammable - in wildfire prone flammable - in wildfire prone flammable - in wildfire prone
areas, plant minimum 30' from areas, plant minimum 30' from areas, plant minimum 30' from areas, plant minimum 30' from
buildings; medium to low wind buildings; low wind resistance; buildings; medium to low wind buildings; fast growing; 3-6"
resistance; seeds provide food for
declines if roots and surround- resistance; susceptible to pests; cones; susceptible to pests and
wildlife; tolerates occasionally wet
soil; declines if roots and surround- ing areas are compacted or resistant to fusiform rust; toler- diseases
ing areas are compacted or dis- disturbed ates occasionally wet soil
turbed; susceptible to pests
Piscidia piscipula Platanus occidentalis Quercus acutissima Quercus alba

Jamaican Dogwood, Sycamore, Sawtooth Oak White Oak
Fish Poison Tree American Planetree
S 11 Yes N C 8b-9a Yes N 8-9a No N C 8-9 Yes
Fast 30-50ñ 30-50ð Fast 75-90ñ 50-70ð 40-50ñ 50-70ð Slow 60-100ñ 60-80ð
Any Any Any Any
H M M H
deciduous; lavender/white needs space; sheds continually; provides food for wildlife; toler- provides food for wildlife; not
flowers; all parts are poisonous; leaves scorch if insufficient ates occasionally wet soil adapted to dry areas; does best
provides food for wildlife water; susceptible to mites, lace in rich, organic soil; medium to
bugs, and anthracnose; good high wind resistance
for erosion control on stream
banks; medium to low wind
resistance
35
LARGE TREES
Scientific Quercus austrina Quercus falcata Quercus michauxii Quercus nuttallii

Common Bluff Oak Southern Red Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak Nuttall Oak
Spanish Oak, Turkey Oak
Reg/Native N C 8-9 No N C 8-9a Yes N C 8-9 Yes N 8 No
G, H, S 40-60ñ 35-50ð 60-80ñ 60-70ð 50-60ñ 40-60ð 60-80ñ 35-50ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any C/L Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High High Low Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N L-N
Wildlife
provides food for wildlife; low wind resistance; provides provides food for wildlife; tolerates provides food for wildlife;
underused tree that is well food for wildlife occasionally wet soils; in wet soils tolerates occasionally wet soil
adapted to Florida rot may be a problem; best in full
sun but tolerates shade when
young; tolerant of urban condi-
tions; medium to high wind resist-
ance; may slow growth of under-
story plants
Scientific Quercus shumardii Quercus virginiana Simarouba glauca Swietenia mahagoni

Common Shumard Oak Live Oak Paradise Tree West Indian Mahogany
Reg/Native N 8-9a Yes N C S 8b-10b Yes S 10b-11 Yes S 10b-11 Yes

G, H, S 55-80ñ 40-50ð 40-80ñ 60-120ð 30-50ñ 25-30ð Fast 40-75ñ 40-60ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High High Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
M H H H
Wildlife
provides food for wildlife; provides food for wildlife; not yellow, summer flowers; medium to high wind resist-
tolerates occasionally wet soil; for small lots; susceptible to medium to high wind ance; tolerates occasionally wet
medium to high wind resistance caterpillars, root rot and insect resistance; don't plant near soil; susceptible to webworms
galls; tolerates occasionally wet sidewalks and driveways
soil; high wind resistance (surface roots)
36
LARGE TREES
Taxodium spp. Ulmus alata Ulmus americana Ulmus crassifolia
Pond Cypress, Winged Elm American Elm Cedar Elm
Bald Cypress
N C S 8-10 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes
50-80ñ 10-35ð Fast 45-70ñ 30-40ð Fast 70-90ñ 50-70ð 50-70ñ 40-60ð
Any Any Any Any
High High High High
M M M M
flammable plant - in wildfire susceptible to Dutch elm long-lived; susceptible to susceptible to Dutch elm
prone areas, plant minimum disease; medium to high wind Dutch elm disease; medium disease and powdery mildew
30' from buildings; wetland resistance to low wind resistance
plant & adapts to dry sites;
deciduous; yellow-brown fall
color; small seeds provide food
for wildlife; high wind resistance
Ulmus parvifolia and cvs.

Chinese Elm,
Lacebark Elm
N C 8-9 No
40-50ñ 35-50ð
Any
High
low wind resistance;

susceptible to pests and
freeze damage in North
Florida; tolerates occasionally
wet soil; form varies with
cultivar
37
MEDIUM TREES
Scientific Avicennia germinans Bursera simaruba Caesalpinia spp. and cvs. Carpentaria acuminata
Common Black Mangrove Gumbo Limbo Poinciana Carpentaria Palm
Reg/Native C S 9a-11 Yes S 10b-11 Yes C S 9-11 No S 10b-11 No

Soil pH, Txt S Any S/L Any
Soil Mst, Drgt None High Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
H M M L-N
Wildlife
white, year-round flowers susceptible to pests if stressed; choose species adapted to white/cream, spring
attract bees; very good for high wind resistance region; do not confuse with through fall flowers; tolerates
salty shorelines with full sun; Delonix regia; flowers vary occasionally wet soil; can
produces pneumatophores cause skin irritation
(breathing roots) that protrude
around base of tree
Scientific Carpinus caroliniana Cassia fistula Cercis canadensis Chrysophyllum oliviforme

Common American Hornbeam, Golden Shower Eastern Redbud Satinleaf
Musclewood, Ironwood
Reg/Native N C 8-9a Yes S 10b-11 No N C 8b-9a Yes S 10b-11 Yes
G, H, S 20-30ñ 20-30ð Fast 30-40ñ 25-40ð 20-30ñ 15-35ð Slow 30-45ñ 18-25ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium High High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N H
Wildlife
orange/yellow, spring flowers; yellow, summer flowers; showy cultivars provide variety of fragrant flowers; provides food
small enough to plant under blooms; low wind resistance foliage and flower color; spring for wildlife; edible fruit; medium
powerlines; seeds and catkins flowers; susceptible to pests; to high wind resistance
provide food for wildlife; excel- beans provide food for wildlife;
lent understory tree; medium to medium to high wind resistance
high wind resistance
38
MEDIUM TREES
Coccoloba diversifolia Cordia sebestena Crataegus spp. Cupressus arizonica var.
Pigeonplum Geiger Tree Hawthorn arizonica
Arizona Cypress
S 10a-11 Yes S 10b-11 No N C 8-9 Var. N C 8-9 Yes
Fast 30-40ñ 10-20ð Slow 25-30ñ 20-25ð 20-35ñ 15-40ð 30-40ñ 15-25ð
S Any Any S/L
High High High High
H H L-N U
white, summer flowers; edible tolerant of salt or brackish provides food and cover for evergreen; green foliage with
fruit; susceptible to weevils; water; orange, year-round wildlife; flowers vary; best for silver/gray shimmer; good as
provides food for wildlife; flowers; foliage may be North Florida; many species specimen or windbreak
compact crown makes it good damaged by geiger beetles; and cultivars
for small areas; medium to high damaged by severe freezes;
wind resistance; bark peels high wind resistance
and becomes showy with age
Delonix regia Elaeocarpus decipiens Ficus citrifolia Ilex Xattenuata and cvs.
Royal poinciana Japanese Blueberry Shortleaf Fig, East Palatka Holly
Wild Banyan Tree
S 10b-11 No N C S 8b-10b No S 10b-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes
Fast 35-40ñ 40-60ð 30-40ñ 30-40ð Fast 25-50ñ 30-40ð 30-45ñ 10-15ð
Any Any Any Any
High High High Medium
M U M M
orange/red, summer flowers; evergreen; pink/white, edible fruit; lacks aerial roots, may have severe disease
medium to low wind resistance; spring through summer flowers; but still requires adequate room problems in central parts of the
needs large area; caution - provides food for wildlife for root development; don’t state; provides pollen for bees
may be invasive in South plant in drainfields due to
Florida aggressive roots; can be diffi-
cult to distinguish from invasive
species
39
MEDIUM TREES
Scientific Ilex cassine and cvs. Ilex opaca Ilex rotunda Jacaranda mimosifolia
Common Dahoon Holly American Holly Round Holly, Roundleaf Jacaranda
Holly, Rotund Holly
Reg/Native N C S 8-10 Yes N C 8-9b Yes N C S 8-11 No C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S 20-30ñ 15-20ð 35-50ñ 15-25ð Slow 20-30ñ 20-30ð Fast 25-40ñ 45-60ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
M M L-N L-N
Wildlife
white, spring flowers; provides male and female flowers white, spring flowers provide lavender/blue, spring through
pollen for bees and berries for appear on separate trees, both pollen for bees; provides food summer flowers; messy when
variety of wildlife; does best in sexes must be in same neigh- for wildlife leaves and flowers drop; soft
rich, organic soils; high wind borhood for production of wood, breaks easily; low wind
resistance berries on female plants resistance
Scientific Juniperus silicicola Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia Ostrya virginiana Persea borbonia
Common Southern Red Cedar indica Xfauriei, Lagerstroemia fauriei American Hophornbeam, Red Bay,
Crapemyrtle American Hornbeam Bay Oak
Reg/Native N C S 8a-10b Yes N C S 8-10b No N C 8-9a Yes N C S 8b-11 Yes
G, H, S Fast 30-45ñ 20-30ð Fast 10-30ñ 15-30ð Slow 30-40ñ 25-30ð 30-50ñ 30-50ð
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N L-N H
Wildlife
branches drooping; low wind form, size, disease resistance, fall color; nuts provide food larval food plant for swallowtail
resistance; provides food, cover, bloom season, flower and bark for wildlife; medium to high butterflies; insect galls can
and nesting for birds; good for color vary with cultivar; plant for wind resistance distort leaves; medium to low
dunes; susceptible to pests such good air circulation; high wind wind resistance
as juniper blight and mites resistance; susceptible to aphids
and sooty mold; bark peels and
becomes showy with age
40
MEDIUM TREES
Persea palustris Podocarpus gracilior Quercus lyrata Rhizophora mangle
Swamp Bay Weeping Fern Pine, Overcup Oak Red Mangrove
Weeping Podocarpus
N C S 8-10 Yes C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9a Yes S 10-11 Yes
20-30ñ 20-30ð Slow 30-50ñ 25-35ð 30-40ñ 30-40ð 20-40ñ 30-40ð
Any Any Any Any
Medium Medium Medium Medium
L-N L-N L-N H
purple fruit; good wetland plant grows slower in full shade; tolerates occasionally wet soil; yellow, year-round flowers
high wind resistance provides food for wildlife
Tabebuia chrysotricha Tabebuia heterophylla Tabebuia impetiginosa Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Yellow Trumpet Tree, Pink Trumpet Tree Purple Trumpet Tree Hercules’ Club
Golden Trumpet Tree
C S 9B-11 No C S 9B-11 No C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9b Yes
25-35ñ 25-35ð 20-30ñ 15-25ð 12-18ñ 10-15ð 15-30ñ 10-20ð
Any Any Any C/L
Medium High High Low
M M-H M U
yellow, spring flowers; pink/white, spring through showy, pinkish-purple, spring deciduous; spines; host plant
medium to low wind resistance summer flowers; medium to low flowers; medium to low wind for Giant Swallowtail butterfly;
wind resistance; susceptible to resistance white, spring flowers
holopothrips
41
SMALL TREES
Scientific Acacia farnesiana Aesculus pavia Aralia spinosa Ardisia escallonioides

Common Sweet Acacia Red Buckeye, Devil’s Walkingstick Marlberry,
Florida Buckeye Marbleberry
Reg/Native C S 9-11 Yes N 8-9a Yes N C 8-9a Yes C S 9-11 Yes
G, H, S Slow 10-25ñ 15-25ð 15-20ñ 15-25ð 10-25ñ 6-10ð 10-20ñ 3-12ð
Soil pH, Txt S/C Any Any S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
M M L-N H
Wildlife
also known as Acacia smallii; attractive bark; red, spring also known as Angelica fragrant, white, year-round
yellow, year-round flowers; flowers; tolerates occasionally spinosa; small, white, spring flowers; attractive foliage;
thorny; tolerates occasionally wet soil; poisonous seeds through summer flowers; round purple fruit provide food
wet soil; provides food and purplish berries provide food for wildlife mostly in fall and
cover for birds and insects; for wildlife; sharp thorns; winter; good for screens and
don't plant next to sidewalk tolerates occasionally wet soil; hedges
can sucker to produce a thicket
Scientific Arenga engleri Baccharis halimifolia Butia capitata Calliandra spp. and cvs.
Common Formosa Palm, Groundsel Bush, Pindo Palm, Powderpuff
Dwarf Sugar Palm Sea Myrtle, Salt-bush Jelly Palm
Reg/Native C S 9a-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8b-11 No C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S Slow 6-10ñ 10-16ð 8-12ñ 6-12ð Slow 15-25ñ 15-25ð Fast 10-15ñ 8-15ð
Soil Mst, Drgt None Medium High High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M M L-N
Wildlife
red/orange/green, spring feathery, white, fall flowers; edible fruit used for jelly; pink/white, fall through spring
flowers; grows in clusters poisonous seeds; useful for wet provides food for wildlife; looks flowers; only Calliandra
sites such as retention ponds best in full sun; white flowers; haematocephala assessed as
and ditches; can spread from susceptible to pests; high wind not a problem
seed resistance
42
SMALL TREES
Callistemon spp. Camellia japonica Camellia sasanqua Canella winterana
Bottlebrush Camellia Sasanqua, Wild Cinnamon,
Sasanqua Camellia Cinnamon Bark
N C S 8b-11 No N C 8-9 No N C 8-9 No S 10b-11 Yes
6-30ñ 6-15ð Slow 10-20ñ 10-20ð Slow 3-15ñ 5-10ð Slow 10-30ñ 10-30ð
S/L Any Any S/L
High Medium Medium High
M L-N L-N H
red, spring through summer many cvs. with a variety of some groundcover cvs. purple, summer flowers
flowers; medium to low wind flower colors; up to 6 inches, in available; fall through winter
resistance; attracts beneficial winter through spring; suscepti- flowers, colors vary; susceptible
insects; only C. citrinus, C. ble to scales, aphids, chewing to scales, mites, aphids and
rigidus, C. viminalis assessed insects and fungus; requires chewing insects; requires acid
as not a problem acid soil and has problems if soil and has problems if pH is
pH is too high too high
Capparis cynophallophora Cephalanthus occidentalis Cephalotaxus harringtonia Chamaerops humilis

Jamaica Caper Tree, Buttonbush Japanese Plum Yew, European Fan Palm
Mustard Tree Harrington Plum Yew
S 10-11 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes N C 8-9 No N C S 8-11 No
Slow 6-20ñ 6-15ð 6-20ñ 6-8 ð Slow 3-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 5-15ñ 6-15ð
Any Any S Any
High None Medium High
H L-N L-N M
purple/white, spring flowers flammable plant - in wildfire dark green foliage; suitable for clumping palm; yellow, summer
prone areas, plant minimum 30' use as a hedge or specimen flowers; pest sensitive; very cold
from buildings; attracts insects; plant hardy; low maintenance com-
white, spring flowers; good for pared to other palms; petioles
retention ponds/swales/canal with sharp teeth
banks; well adapted to disturbed
soils
43
SMALL TREES
Scientific Chionanthus retusus Chionanthus virginicus Citharexylum spinosum Coccoloba uvifera

Common Chinese Fringetree Fringetree Fiddlewood Seagrape
Reg/Native N 8 No N C 8-9 Yes S 10-11 Yes C S 9-11 Yes

G, H, S Slow 15-30ñ 10-12ð Slow 12-20ñ 10-15ð 15-25ñ 8-15ð 3-35ñ 10-50ð
Soil pH, Txt S Any Any S
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N H H
Wildlife
white, spring through summer showy, white, spring flowers; also known as Citharexylum deciduous with continual leaf
flowers; grows very slowly, flowers best in sun; pest fruticosum; white, fragrant flow- drop; fragrant, white, spring
usually 4 to 10 inches per year, sensitive; tolerates occasionally ers all year; provides food for flowers; provides food for large
but can grow a foot per year wet soil; medium to high wind wildlife; useful as a tall hedge wildlife; susceptible to weevils;
if given rich, moist soil and resistance grows as shrub on coastal
appropriate fertilization dunes and as tree inland;
medium to high wind resistance
Scientific Cordia boissieri Cornus foemina Cornus florida Cyrilla racemiflora

Common White Geiger, Swamp Dogwood, Stiff Flowering Dogwood Titi, Swamp Cyrilla,
Texas Olive Dogwood, Stiff Cornel Leatherwood
Reg/Native C S 9a-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes N 8-9a Yes N C 8b-10a Yes
G, H, S Slow 15-20ñ 10-15ð 10-16ñ 10-16ð 25-30ñ 25-30ð Fast 10-30ñ 6-15 ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High Low Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
white, year-round flowers white, spring flowers; blue prefers deep, rich, well–drained white, spring through summer
berries provide food for sandy or clay soils and has a flowers; wetland plant; good
wildlife; larval food plant for moderately long life; roots rot for edges of retention ponds;
spring azure butterfly; in soils without adequate attractive to bees
susceptible to borers drainage; susceptible to pests
and disease
44
SMALL TREES
Dodonaea viscosa Eriobotrya japonica Eugenia spp. (natives only) Forestiera segregata
Hopbush, Loquat Stoppers Florida Privet
Varnish Leaf
C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8-11 No C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8b-11 Yes
10-18ñ 6-15ð 20-30ñ 30-35ð 10-30ñ 5-20ð 4-15ñ 3-12ð
S/L Any Any S/L
High Medium High High
H M H H
yellow, summer through fall white, fall through winter flowers vary; needs little atten- semi-evergreen to evergreen;
flowers; showy, colorful fruit flowers; medium to low wind tion once established; natives yellow, early spring flowers;
resistance; susceptible to pests; are E. axillaris, E. foetida, E. great hedge plant; provides
caution - may be invasive in rhombea, and E. confusa; E. food for wildlife; flowers attract
Central and South Florida axiliaris, E. confusa, E. foetida insects
have high wind resistance
Ilex X‘Mary Nell’ Ilex X‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Ilex cornuta and cvs. Ilex decidua
Mary Nell Holly Nellie R. Stevens Holly Chinese Holly, Possumhaw
Horned Holly
N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 No N 8-9a Yes
10-20ñ 10-15ð 15-25ñ 10-12ð 8-25ñ 8-25ð Slow 10-15ñ 10-15ð
S/C S/C Any Any
Medium Medium High High
M M M U
white; spring flowers; important white, spring flowers; susceptible to tea scale, espe- small, white, spring flowers;
source of pollen for bees important source of pollen for cially in cool, shady areas; pro- small orange/red fruit provide
bees; provides food for wildlife vides food for wildlife; many food for wildlife; be sure to
cultivars available; important purchase female trees for fruit
source of pollen for bees production
45
SMALL TREES
Scientific Ilex glabra Ilex vomitoria and cvs. Illicium spp. Jatropha integerrima
Common Gallberry Yaupon Holly Star Anise Peregrina
Reg/Native N C S 8-10a Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C 8-9 Var. C S 9b-11 No

G, H, S Slow 6-8ñ 8-10ð 15-30ñ 6-20ð 10-15ñ 6-15ð 8-15ñ 5-10ð
Light/Best
Salt
M H L-N L-N
Wildlife
flammable plant - in wildfire flammable, in wildfire prone areas, evergreen, yellowish–white or scarlet, year-round flowers;
prone areas, plant minimum plant minimum 30' from buildings; greenish–white flowers poisonous; susceptible to pests
30' from buildings; white, white, spring through summer flow- and disease; sensitive to frost
ers; red fruit on female plants pro-
spring flowers; black fruit pro-
vides food for wildlife in late fall and
vides food for wildlife in late winter; ‘Pendula’ - FNGLA Plant of
fall and winter; good for wet- the Year, 2005; high wind resistance;
land/pine areas; high wind can sucker to produce a thicket
Scientific Ligustrum japonicum and cvs. Magnolia Xsoulangiana Magnolia figo Musa spp.
Common Ligustrum, and cvs. Banana Shrub Banana
Japanese Privet Saucer Magnolia
Reg/Native N C S 8-10b No N C 8-9a No N C 8-10 Yes C S 9b-11 No
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Low Medium Low
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N U L-N
Wildlife
white, summer flowers; suscepti- many cultivars; pink/white/ also known as Michelia figo; edible fruit; showy purple
ble to pests and diseases; used lavender, fragrant, winter light-yellow, spring through early or orange flowers; needs
as hedge; thins at bottom unless through spring flowers; summer flowers; fragrance simi- regular watering; susceptible
in full sun susceptible to pests; medium lar to ripening cantaloupes or to disease, pests, and frost
to high wind resistance bananas; generally used as
specimen plant; susceptible to
scale and mushroom root rot
46
SMALL TREES
Myrcianthes fragrans Myrciaria cauliflora Myrica cerifera and cvs. Olea europaea
Simpson’s Stopper, Jaboticaba, Brazilian Grape Wax Myrtle Olive
Twinberry Tree, Brazilian Grape
C S 9b-11 Yes S 10b-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-11 No
6-30ñ 15-20ð Slow 15-40ñ 15-40ð Fast 10-40ñ 20-25ð Slow 25-50ñ 35-50ð
Any Any Any S/L
High Medium Medium Medium
H L-N H M
edible fruit; white, fragrant, edible, black fruit; white flammable, in wildfire prone makes a great landscape plant;
year-round flowers; red berries flowers, time of flowering areas, plant minimum 30' from requires a pollinator to fruit
provide food for wildlife; depends on cultivar buildings; silver berries found on
female plants only; susceptible to
tolerates occasionally wet soil;
disease; good hedge plant; pro-
needs little attention once vides food and cover for wildlife;
established medium to low wind resistance,
Osmanthus americanus Plumeria rubra Podocarpus

Wild Olive, Frangipani, macrophyllus and cvs.
Devilwood Nosegay, Templetree Podocarpus
N C 8-9 Yes S 10b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
15-25ñ 10-15ð Slow 20-25ñ 20-25ð Slow 30-40ñ 20-25ð
Any Any S/C
Medium High High
H H H
white, fragrant, spring flowers; fragrant, showy, spring through dark green, evergreen leaves;
provides food for wildlife fall flowers; susceptible to small, purple, fruit on females
frangipani caterpillar; needs provide food for wildlife; high
cold-protected spot if grown in wind resistance; mildly suscepti-
central Florida ble to pests and diseases; some
magnesium deficiency on sandy
soils
47
SMALL TREES
Scientific Prunus angustifolia Prunus campanulata Prunus umbellata Quercus geminata

Common Chickasaw Plum Taiwan Cherry Flatwoods Plum Sand Live Oak,
Small Sand Live Oak
Reg/Native N C 8-9 Yes N 8-9a No N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8-10a Yes
G, H, S 12-20ñ 15-20ð 12-20ñ 15-25ð 12-20ñ 12-20ð 35-50ñ 45-60ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any Any S/L
Light/Best
Salt
M U L-N H
Wildlife
white, winter flowers; reddish small pink, late winter flowers; white, spring flowers; purple high wind resistance; good in
plums provide food for wildlife; small fruit provides food for plums provide food for wildlife; dune areas; provides food for
medium to high wind resist- wildlife; susceptible to tent edible fruits, ranging from very wildlife; FNGLA Plant of the
ance; can sucker to produce a caterpillar tart to sweet; susceptible to tent Year 2008
thicket caterpillars; can sucker to pro-
duce a thicket
Scientific Raphiolepis spp. and cvs. Senna polyphylla Sideroxylon spp. (natives only) Sophora tomentosa
Common Indian Hawthorn Desert Cassia Buckthorn Necklace Pod
Reg/Native N C 8-9 No S 10a-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes S 10-11 Yes

G, H, S 2-10ñ 2-6ð Fast 6-10ñ 6-8ð 50-75ñ 35-50ð 6-10ñ 8-12ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Any S/L
Light/Best
Salt
M H H H
Wildlife
flowers vary; provides food for yellow, summer flowers; should good coastal or dune plant; evergreen shrub; weeping
wildlife; use disease-resistant not be confused with Senna select species based on region, shape; yellow, year-round
cvs., plant in full sun; suscepti- pendula soil texture, and drainage; flow- flowers; seeds are poisonous;
ble to disease ers vary provides food for wildlife
48
SMALL TREES
Tabebuia aurea Tecoma stans Viburnum obovatum and cvs. Viburnum odoratissimum
Silver Trumpet Tree, Yellow Elder, Walter’s Viburnum Sweet Viburnum
Yellow Tab Yellow Trumpetbush
S 10-11 No C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8b-10a No
15-25ñ 10-15ð Fast 10-20ñ 8-15ð 8-25ñ 6-10ð Fast 15-30ñ 15-25ð
Any Any Any Any
M L-N L-N L-N
yellow, winter through spring evergreen; bell-shaped, white, winter through spring white, spring flowers;
flowers; flowers emerge after fragrant, yellow summer flowers; small black fruit pro- susceptible pests and disease;
leaves drop; not wind resistant through winter flowers; vides food for wildlife; provides often grown as a hedge; thins
produces non-edible brown nesting cover for wildlife; can in shaded sites
fruit; FNGLA Plant of the sucker to produce a thicket;
Year, 2005 dwarf cvs. are 2' to 4' tall
Viburnum odoratissimum Viburnum rufidulum

var. awabuki Rusty Blackhaw,
Awabuki Viburnum Southern Blackhaw
N C S 8-10b No N 8b-9a Yes
Slow 15-20ñ 15-20ð Slow 20-25ñ 20-25ð
Any Any
Medium High
L-N H
also known as Viburnum scarlet to purple fall foliage;

awabuki; fragrant, small white, clusters of small, white, spring
spring flowers; red/black fruit flowers; small black fruit pro-
provides food for wildlife; takes vides food for wildlife; tolerates
well to pruning; used for occasionally wet soil; will not
hedges; susceptible to pests and tolerate compacted soils
disease
49
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Abelia Xgrandiflora Acacia farnesiana Acalypha wilkesiana Acca sellowiana

Common Glossy Abelia Sweet Acacia Copper Leaf Pineapple Guava,
Feijoa
Reg/Native N C 8-9 No C S 9-11 Yes S 10b-11 No N C S 8-11 No
G, H, S 6-10ñ 6-10ð Slow 10-25ñ 15-25ð Fast 8-12ñ 6-8ð 8-15ñ 8-15ð
Soil pH, Txt S/C S/C Any S/C
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M U L-N
Wildlife
fine textured, semi-evergreen; also known as Acacia smallii; provides continuous color in the also known as Feijoa sellowiana;
red-tinged leaves; pink/white, yellow, year-round flowers; landscape; heart-shaped leaves red/white, spring flowers; often
spring through fall flowers; thorny; tolerates occasionally in varying mottled combinations used as a hedge; provides
doesn’t flower in the shade wet soil; provides food and of colors; susceptible to pests food/cover/nesting for wildlife
cover for birds and insects;
don’t plant next to sidewalk
Scientific Acrostichum danaeifolium Agarista populifolia Agave spp. Allamanda neriifolia

Common Leather Fern Pipestem, Fetterbush, Century plant, Bush Allamanda,
Doghobble Agave Bush Trumpet
Reg/Native C S 9-11 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C S var. Var. C S 9-11 No
G, H, S 4-8ñ 3-5 ð 8-12ñ 5-10ð Slow 3-6ñ 3-10ð Fast 5-15ñ 4-10ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/C S Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Low Medium High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N H L-N
Wildlife
large fern; good for wet evergreen, creamy white, dramatic foliage and form; bright yellow, trumpet-shaped,
sites in shaded landscape; fragrant spring flowers evergreen, silver/gray to year-round flowers; bleeds
prolonged sunlight, especially blue-green foliage; showy, white milky sap if stems are
in the summer, can burn foliage green-brown fruit; sharp spines; broken; makes an open hedge;
choose species adapted to attractive to birds and butter-
climate flies
50
LARGE SHRUBS
Aloysia virgata Aralia spinosa Ardisia escallonioides Asimina spp.
Sweet Almond Bush Devil’s Walkingstick Marlberry, Pawpaw
Marbleberry
N C S 8-11 No N C 8-9a Yes C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Var.
6-12ñ 6-12ð 10-25ñ 6-10ð 10-20ñ 3-12ð 15-20ñ 15-20ð
Any Any S/L S
U L-N H L-N
evergreen; white, fragrant, sum- also known as Angelica fragrant, white, year-round deciduous; species needs vary,
mer through fall flowers spinosa; small white, spring flowers; attractive foliage; choose based on conditions;
through summer flowers; round, purple fruits provide flowers vary; larval food plant
purplish berries provide food food for wildlife, mostly in fall for zebra swallowtail butterfly;
for wildlife; spiny stems; toler- and winter; good for screens does not transplant well
ates occasionally wet soil and hedges
Baccharis halimifolia Bambusa spp. (clumping Barleria micans Berberis julianae

Groundsel Bush, types only) Yellow Shrimp Plant Wintergreen Barberry,
Sea Myrtle, Salt-bush Bamboo Julian’s berberis
N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-11 No S 10-11 No N 8-9a No
8-12ñ 6-12ð 3-100ñ 2-20ð Fast 4-5ñ 4-5ð Slow 4-6ñ 2-5ð
Any Any Any Any
M M U M
feathery, white, fall flowers; choose species adapted to evergreen shrub with upright evergreen; yellow, winter
poisonous seeds; useful for wet conditions; bamboo grows growth that terminates in through spring flowers; red fruit;
sites such as retention ponds aggressively; should not be flattish spikes that produce adaptable to a wide range of
and ditches; can spread by planted near lakefronts or lobed, bright, yellow flowers; soil conditions but does best in
suckers from roots streams provides food for wildlife rich, organic soil; requires prun-
ing to maintain best form; spiny;
good hedge or barrier plant
51
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Berberis thunbergii Brugmansia Xcandida Brunfelsia grandiflora Buddleia lindleyana

Common Japanese Barberry, Angel’s Trumpet Yesterday-Today- Butterfly Bush,
Crimson Pygmy and-Tomorrow Lindley’s Butterfly Bush
Reg/Native N 8-9a No S 10b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No N C 8-9 No
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Low Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N M
Wildlife
fall color; white, spring flowers; flowers hang from stems and white/purple, spring through deciduous, non-fragrant,
good hedge or barrier plant; branches and drape the plant fall flowers purple/violet flowers; excellent
persistent red fruit; susceptible with color; good specimen tree; for butterflies; aggressive
to disease susceptible to pests and dis- suckering and spreads through
eases runners
Scientific Calliandra haematocephala Callicarpa americana Callistemon spp. Calycanthus floridus

Common Red Powderpuff Beautyberry Bottlebrush Carolina Allspice,
Eastern Sweetshrub
Reg/Native C S 9-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-10a Yes
G, H, S 6-8ñ 8-12ð 6-8ñ 6-8ð 6-30ñ 6-15ð Slow 6-9ñ 6-12ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any S/L Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High High High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N M L-N
Wildlife
possible cold damage from deciduous; purple/light purple red spring though summer good screen; red, spring
freezing temperatures; large spring through fall flowers; flowers; medium to low wind through summer flowers with
fragrant flower blooms during attracts wildlife; small purplish resistance; attracts beneficial strawberry-like fragrance; does
warm months; susceptible to fruits provide food for wildlife insects; check with your local best in rich, organic soil
pests in late winter; need to prune Extension office before final
old wood since flowers and fruit species selection
are produced on new growth
52
LARGE SHRUBS
Camellia japonica Camellia sasanqua Capparis cynophallophora Carissa macrocarpa
Camellia Sasanqua, Jamaica Caper Tree, Natal Plum
Sasanqua Camellia Mustard Tree
N C 8-9 No N C 8-9 No S 10-11 Yes C S 9-11 No
Slow 10-20ñ 10-20ð Slow 3-15ñ 5-10ð Slow 6-20ñ 6-15ð 2-20ñ 2-20ð
Any Any Any S
L-N L-N H H
many cultivars; flowers up to some groundcover cultivars purple/white, spring flowers also known as Carissa
6 inches, in winter through available; fall through winter grandiflora; edible fruit; white,
spring, color variable; flowers, color variable; suscepti- fragrant year-round flowers
susceptible to pests and ble to pests; requires acidic soil
diseases; requires acidic soil and has problems if pH is too
and has problems if pH high
is too high
Cephalanthus occidentalis Cephalotaxus harringtonia Cestrum aurantiacum Chrysobalanus icaco

Buttonbush Japanese Plum Yew, Orange Jessamine Cocoplum
Harrington Plum Yew
N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 No C S 9-11 No S 10-11 Yes
6-20ñ 6-8 ð Slow 3-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 4-10ñ 6-8ð 3-30ñ 10-20ð
Any S Any Any
None Medium Medium Medium
L-N L-N M H
flammable, in wildfire prone dark green foliage; suitable for yellow/orange, spring through white, year-round flowers;
areas, plant minimum 30' from use as a hedge or specimen summer flowers edible fruit; good hedge or
buildings; attracts insects; white, plant screen plant; purple “plums”
spring through summer flowers; provide food for wildlife; high
grows well in wet areas such as wind resistance
detention ponds or drainage ditch-
es; well adapted to disturbed soils
53
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Citharexylum spinosum Clethra alnifolia Coccoloba uvifera Cocculus laurifolius

Common Fiddlewood Sweet Pepperbush Seagrape Laurelleaf Snailseed, Carolina
Coralbead, Cocculus
Reg/Native S 10-11 Yes N C 8-9 Yes C S 9-11 Yes C S 9a-11 No
G, H, S 15-25ñ 8-12ð 4-8ñ 4-8ð 3-35ñ 10-50ð 12-18ñ 18-20ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any S Any
Light/Best
Salt
M M H M
Wildlife
also known as Citharexylum white, fragrant, summer deciduous with continual leaf spreading growth habit; yellow
fruticosum; white, fragrant, flowers; attracts bees and other drop; fragrant, white, spring flowers
year-round flowers; provides wildlife; grows well in wet areas flowers; provides food for large
food for wildlife; useful as a tall wildlife; susceptible to weevils;
hedge grows as shrub on coastal
dunes and as tree inland; medi-
um to high wind resistance
Scientific Codiaeum variegatum Conocarpus erectus Cordyline spp. & cvs. except Crataegus spp.
Common Croton Buttonwood, Cordyline guineensis Hawthorn
Silver Buttonwood Ti plant
Reg/Native S 10b-11 No S 10b-11 Yes S 10-11 No N C 8-9 Var.
G, H, S 3-8ñ 3-6ð 5-50ñ 15-20ð Fast 3-10ñ 2-4ð 20-35ñ 15-40ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Low High Varies High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N H V L-N
Wildlife
wide variety of leaf color and white/cream, spring flowers; growing conditions vary by provides food and cover for
shape; white/yellow, summer silver leaved form more suscep- species; flowers vary; cold wildlife; flowers vary; best for
flowers; susceptible to pests tible to sooty mold and insect sensitive; check with your local north Florida; many species
problems; do not plant in marl Extension office before final and cultivars
soil; high wind resistance; species selection
provides cover for wildlife
54
LARGE SHRUBS
Cyrilla racemiflora Duranta erecta Erythrina herbacea Eugenia spp. (natives only)
Titi, Swamp Cyrilla, Golden Dewdrop, Coral Bean, Stoppers
Leatherwood Pigeonberry; Skyflower Cherokee Bean
N C 8b-9 Yes C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes C S 9-11 Yes
Fast 10-30ñ 6-15ð 4-18ñ 10-15ð 5-10ñ 8-12ð 10-30ñ 5-20ð
Any Any S/L Any
Medium High High High
L-N L-N M H
white, late spring through also known as Duranta repens; scarlet, tubular, spring flowers; flowers vary; needs little atten-
summer flowers; wetland plant; showy, lavender/blue/white, flowers attractive to humming- tion once established; natives
good for edges of retention summer through fall flowers; birds; showy, pod-shaped fruit are E. axillaris, E. foetida, E.
ponds; attractive to bees poisonous fruit; susceptible to rhombea, and E. confusa; E.
pests; irritating sap; thorns; axiliaris, E. confusa, E. foetida
may spread aggressively have high wind resistance
Fatsia japonica Forestiera segregata Galphimia glauca Gardenia jasminoides

Japanese Aralia, Florida Privet Thryallis, Gardenia,
Paperplant Rain-of-Gold Cape Jasmine
N C S 8-11 No N C S 8b-11 Yes C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-10 No
5-8ñ 3-10ð 4-15ñ 3-12ð 5-9ñ 4-6ð 4-8ñ 4-8ð
Any S/L Any Any
L-N H L-N L-N
creamy, white, winter flowers; yellow, early spring flowers evergreen shrub; yellow, also known as Gardenia
too much sun eventually kills attract insects; great hedge; fruit year-round flowers; susceptible augusta; white, fragrant spring
the plant provides food for wildlife to caterpillars and mites through summer flowers; use
only grafted varieties due to
nematode susceptibility; suscep-
tible to scales; use iron fertilizer
to keep green
55
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Halesia diptera Hamamelis virginiana Hamelia patens Heptapleurum arboricola

Common Two-wing Silverbell Common Witchhazel Firebush, Dwarf Schefflera
Scarletbush
Reg/Native N 8 Yes N 8 Yes C S 9-11 Yes C S 9-11 No
G, H, S 20-30ñ 20-30ð 20-30ñ 15-25ð Fast 5-20ñ 5-8ð 10-15ñ 6-15ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L Any Any S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
U L-N L-N M
Wildlife
deciduous tree; showy, bell- cream/yellow, fall flowers; galls orange/red, year-round evergreen; dark green foliage;
shaped, white, spring flowers form on leaves; plant suckers flowers; susceptible to pests; orange/yellow winter fruit;
freely from the base foliage usually more attractive susceptible to scale
in shade but flowers best in
sun; tolerates occasionally wet
soil; dies back in freezes but
returns
Scientific Hibiscus spp. Hydrangea arborescens Hydrangea macrophylla Hydrangea quercifolia

Common Hibiscus, Wild Hydrangea Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea
Mallows French Hydrangea
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9a No N C 8b-9 Yes
G, H, S 4-12ñ 3-10ð 6-10ñ 6-10ð 6-10ñ 6-10ð 6-10ñ 6-8ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L Any Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium None Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
V U L-N L-N
Wildlife
select species based on site deciduous; white, summer white/pink/purple, spring pink, summer flowers; good
conditions; spring through fall flowers; oval, serrate, dark through summer flowers; flowering shrub for shade;
flowers, color varies; some green leaves; blooms on new susceptible to pests; tolerates tolerates occasionally wet soil
hibiscus injured by freezes in season's growth; susceptible to occasionally wet soil
North Florida; susceptible to disease
pests
56
LARGE SHRUBS
Ilex X‘Mary Nell’ Ilex cornuta and cvs. Ilex vomitoria and cvs. Illicium spp.
Mary Nell Holly Chinese Holly, Yaupon Holly Star Anise
Horned Holly
N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 No N C S 8-10 Yes N C 8-9 Var.
10-20ñ 10-15ð 15-25ñ 15-25ð 15-30ñ 6-20ð 10-15ñ 6-15ð
S/C Any Any Any
Medium High High Medium
M M H L-N
white, spring flowers; important susceptible to tea scale, flammable, in wildfire prone evergreen, yellowish–white or
source of pollen for bees especially in cool, shady areas; areas, plant minimum 30' from greenish–white flowers
fruit provides food for wildlife; buildings; white, spring through
summer flowers; red fruit provides
important source of pollen for
food for wildlife in late fall-winter;
bees ’Pendula’ was FNGLA Plant of the
Year, 2005; high wind resistance;
Itea virginica Jasminum mesnyi Jasminum multiflorum Jasminum nitidum

Virginia Willow, Primrose Jasmine, Downy Jasmine Star Jasmine,
Virginia Sweetspire Japanese Yellow Jasmine Shining Jasmine
N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8-10 No C S 9b-11 No C S 9-11 No
Slow 3-8ñ 2-4ð Fast 5-10ñ 2-5ð Fast 5-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 10-20ñ 5-10ð
S/L Any Any S/L
L-N L-N L-N L-N
white, spring through summer rambling, evergreen; will white, fragrant, year-round evergreen to semi-evergreen
flowers; grows well in wet areas climb like vine if given support; flowers; dies back in freeze, vine or shrub; white, fragrant,
such as detention ponds, swales fragrant, yellow flowers; dies may come back; susceptible to spring through summer flowers
and canals back in freeze, may come back pests; sprawling form
57
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Jatropha integerrima Juniperus chinensis and cvs. Ligustrum japonicum and cvs. Loropetalum chinense and cvs
Common Peregrina Chinese Juniper, Ligustrum, Loropetalum,
Japanese Juniper Japanese Privet Chinese Fringe Bush
Reg/Native C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9 No N C S 8-10b No N C 8-9 No
G, H, S 8-15ñ 5-10ð 2-60ñ 2-25ð 8-12ñ 15-25ð 6-15ñ 8-10ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High High High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M H L-N
Wildlife
scarlet, year-round flowers; flammable, in wildfire prone white, summer flowers; white/pink, spring flowers; size
poisonous; susceptible to pests area, plant minimum 30' from susceptible to pests and varies; susceptible to pests and
and disease; sensitive to frost buildings; does not tolerate wet diseases; used as hedge; thins diseases; in high pH soils may
feet; good pollution tolerance; at bottom unless in full sun have minor element deficiencies
susceptible to pests and dis-
ease; size and form vary with
cultivar
Scientific Lyonia ferruginea Mahonia bealei Malvaviscus arboreus Murraya paniculata

Common Rusty Lyonia Oregon Hollygrape Turk’s cap Orange Jessamine,
Orange Jasmine, Chalcas
Reg/Native N C S 8-10 Yes N 8-9a No N C S 8b-11 No C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S Slow 10-20ñ 4-10ð Slow 5-10ñ 3-4ð Fast 6-12ñ 3-5ð Slow 8-12ñ 8-15ð
Soil pH, Txt S Any Any Any
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N L-N
Wildlife
evergreen, white/pink, spring also known as Berberis bealei; red/white, warm season white, fragrant, year-round
flowers; rusty pubescence yellow, fragrant, winter through flowers; possible cold damage flowers; good container plant;
present on all parts of the plant spring flowers; glossy in North Florida often used as a hedge; provides
grey/green leaves, holly-like food for wildlife; susceptible to
appearance; purplish-blue pests
berries provide food for wildlife
58
LARGE SHRUBS
Musa spp. Myrcianthes fragrans Myrica cerifera and cvs. Nerium oleander
Banana Simpson’s Stopper, Wax Myrtle Oleander
Twinberry
C S 9b-11 No C S 9b-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 9-11 No
Fast 7-30ñ 10-15ð 6-30ñ 15-20ð Fast 10-40ñ 20-25ð Fast 4-18ñ 3-15ð
Any Any Any Any
Low High Medium High
L-N H H M
edible fruit; showy purple or edible fruit; white, fragrant, flammable, in wildfire prone good, low maintenance plant
orange flowers; needs regular year-round flowers; red areas, plant minimum 30' from for coastal areas; susceptible to
watering; susceptible to dis- berries provide food for buildings; susceptible to disease; oleander caterpillar; poisonous
ease, pests, and frost wildlife; tolerates occasionally good hedge plant; provides food
wet soil; needs little attention and cover for wildlife; medium
once established to low wind resistance, can
sucker to produce a thicket
Osmanthus americanus Osmanthus fragrans Philadelphus inodorus Philodendron bipinnatifidum

Wild Olive, Tea Olive, Fragrant Olive, English Dogwood Selloum
Devilwood Sweet Osmanthus Tree Philodendron
N C 8b-9 Yes N C 8b-9 No N C 8-9a Yes N C S 8b-11 No
15-25ñ 10-15ð Slow 15-30ñ 15-20ð Fast 10-12ñ 6-10ð Fast 6-12ñ 10-15ð
Any Any Any Any
Medium Medium High Medium
H L-N U L-N
white, fragrant, spring flowers; white, fragrant, fall through deciduous; white, spring flowers large, deeply divided,
provides food for wildlife spring flowers; susceptible to drooping leaves; green,
pests year-round flowers; susceptible
to freeze damage; tolerates
occasionally wet soil
59
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Philodendron cvs. Pittosporum tobira cvs. Podocarpus gracilior Podocarpus macrophyllus
Common Philodendron Pittosporum Weeping Fern Pine, Weeping and cvs.
Podocarpus, Weeping Yew Podocarpus
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-11 No C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S Fast 1-12ñ 2-15ð 8-12ñ 12-18ð 30-50ñ 25-35ð Slow 30-40ñ 20-25ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Any S/C
Light/Best
Salt
L-N H L-N H
Wildlife
select species based on site dark, glossy leaves; white, grows slowly in full shade; high dark green, evergreen leaves;
conditions; check with your fragrant, spring flowers wind resistance small, purple, fruit on females
local Extension office before provide food for wildlife; high
final species selection wind resistance; mildly suscepti-
ble to pests and diseases; some
magnesium deficiency on sandy
soils
Scientific Psychotria nervosa Rhamnus caroliniana Rhododendron austrinum Rhododendron canescens

Common Wild Coffee Carolina Buckthorn Florida Flame Azalea Pinxter Azalea
Reg/Native S 10b-11 Yes N C 8-9b Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8-10a Yes

G, H, S 4-10ñ 4-10ð 12-15ñ 10-15ð Slow 6-10ñ 4-8ð Slow 8-12ñ 6-10ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M U L-N L-N
Wildlife
shiny, dark green foliage; bright green, deciduous yellow/orange, clustered spring pink/white, spring flowers;
white, spring through summer leaves, turn orange/red before flowers prefers well drained soil that
flowers; susceptible to pests; red dropping; inconspicuous, retains moisture
fruit provides food for wildlife green/white, summer flowers;
black fruits provide food for
wildlife
60
LARGE SHRUBS
Rhododendron cvs. Sabal minor Senna bicapsularis Senna polyphylla
Azalea Dwarf Palmetto, Christmas Senna, Desert Cassia
Blue-stem Palmetto Butterfly Bush
N C 8-10 Var. N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8-11 No S 10a-11 No
Slow 3-12ñ 3-10ð Slow 4-9ñ 4-8ð Fast 6-12ñ 6-12ð 6-10ñ 6-8ð
Any Any Any S/L
L-N M L-N H
choose species based on site blueish green, fan shaped leaves; susceptible to freeze damage yellow, summer flowers; should
conditions; flowers vary small, white flowers; black and pests; susceptible to cater- not be confused with Senna
berries provide food for wildlife pillar damage; larval food plant pendula
in fall; difficult to transplant; for various sulphur butterflies;
good understory plant; prefers should not be confused with
moist soils but tolerates drier con- Senna pendula
ditions after establishment
Severinia buxifolia Strelitzia nicolai Suriana maritima Tabernaemontana divaricata

Boxthorn Giant Bird of Paradise, Bay Cedar Crape Jasmine,
White Bird of Paradise Pinwheel Flower
N C S 8b-10 Yes C S 9-11 No S 10b-11 Yes C S 9b-11 No
Slow 5-12ñ 3-6ð Fast 20-30ñ 15-20ð 5-20ñ 5-8ð Fast 6-10ñ 3-6ð
Any Any S/L Any
High Low High Low
L-N L-N H L-N
dense, low-branching, compact, large, banana-like leaves, evergreen, tiny, gray/green evergreen, white, ruffle-edged,
evergreen; small, oval, glossy, blue/white, year-round flowers; leaves; yellow, year-round summer flowers that are
dark green leaves; slender, susceptible to scales when air flowers; commonly found fragrant at night; susceptible to
thorny branches; small, fra- circulation is inadequate; growing in thickets, on sand pests and diseases
grant, white, spring through foliage may tear in the wind dunes, and rocky shores
summer flowers; susceptible to
freeze damage
61
LARGE SHRUBS
Scientific Tecoma stans Ternstroemia gymnanthera Thunbergia erecta Tibouchina urvilleana

Common Yellow Elder, Cleyera, King’s Mantle, Princess Flower,
Yellow Trumpetbush Ternstroemia Bush Clock Vine Glory Bush, Lasiandra
Reg/Native C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9 No C S 9-11 No C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S Fast 10-20ñ 8-15ð 12-20ñ 5-10ð Fast 4-6ñ 5-8ð Fast 10-15ñ 10-15ð
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
yellow, summer through winter dense, unusually dark green purple, year-round flowers; evergreen; dark green, velvety,
flowers; FNGLA Plant of the foliage; yellow to dark red fruit; good as a hedge leaves; purple, year-round flow-
Year, 2005; susceptible to white, fragrant, spring flowers; ers; FNGLA Plant of the Year in
freeze damage good as a hedge 2005
Scientific Tibouchina granulosa Vaccinium arboreum Viburnum obovatum and cvs. Viburnum odoratissimum
Common Purple Glory Tree Sparkleberry Walter’s Viburnum Sweet Viburnum
Reg/Native S 10b-11 No N C 8-10b Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8b-10a No

G, H, S Fast 15-20ñ 15-20ð 12-18ñ 10-15ð 8-25ñ 6-10ð 15-30ñ 15-25ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
U L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
evergreen; dark green, velvety deciduous; white, spring flow- white, winter through spring white, spring flowers; suscepti-
leaves; purple, year-round flowers; showy fall color; tolerates flowers; small black fruit pro- ble to pests and disease; often
ers occasionally wet soil; provides vides food for wildlife; provides grown as a hedge; thins in
food and cover for wildlife; nesting cover for wildlife; can shaded sites
attracts pollinating insects sucker to produce a thicket;
dwarf cvs. are 2' to 4' tall
62
LARGE SHRUBS
Viburnum odoratissimum Viburnum rufidulum Viburnum suspensum Vitex agnus-castus
var. awabuki Rusty Blackhaw, Sandankwa Viburnum Chaste Tree
Awabuki Viburnum Southern Blackhaw
N C S 8-10b No N C 8b-9 Yes N C S 8-10 No N C S 8-11 No
Slow 15-20ñ 15-20ð Slow 20-25ñ 20-25ð 6-12ñ 6-12ð Fast 10-20ñ 15-20ð
Any Any Any Any
Medium High Low High
L-N H M M
also known as Viburnum scarlet to purple fall foliage; pink/white, winter through deciduous; multi-stemmed
awabuki; fragrant, small white, clusters of small, white, spring spring flowers shrub; purple, summer flowers
spring flowers; red/black fruit flowers; small black fruit pro- provides food for wildlife
provides food for wildlife; vides food for wildlife; tolerates
takes well to pruning; used for occasionally wet soil; does not
hedges; susceptible to pests tolerate compacted soils
and disease
Yucca spp.
Yucca
N C S 8-11 Var.
3-30ñ 3-15ð
Any
High
Var
choose species based on site

conditions; white, spring
through summer flowers
63
SMALL SHRUBS
Scientific Aloe spp. Acalypha hispida Breynia disticha Brunfelsia americana

Common Aloe Chenille Plant, Snowbush Lady of the Night
Red-hot Cattail
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 No C S 10-11 No C S 10-11 Yes S 9b-11 No
G, H, S 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 4-6ñ 6-8ð 5-8ñ 4-7ð 4-6ñ 3-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any S/L Any
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
choose species based on site upright, course-textured shrub; slender, red branches with evergreen; fragrant, white
conditions; flowers vary; red, showy flowers during variegated foliage; good speci- flowers
susceptible to freeze damage warm months droop in cattail- men or accent shrub; red
like, pendant clusters up to berries; susceptible to pests
18 inches in length; susceptible
to pests especially in partial
shade
Scientific Caesalpinia spp. and cvs. Calliandra emarginata Carissa macrocarpa Gamolepis spp.
Common Poinciana Pink Powderpuff Natal Plum Bush Daisy
Reg/Native C S 9-11 No C S 10-11 No C S 9-11 No N C S 8b-11 No

G, H, S 8-35ñ 10-35ð 6-10ñ 10-15ð 2-20ñ 2-20ð 2-4ñ 3-4ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N H L-N
Wildlife
choose species adapted to red/pink, spring through fall also known as Carissa grandi- finely-divided leaves with
region; do not confuse with flowers flora; edible fruit; white, fern-like appearance; yellow,
Delonix regia; flowers vary fragrant year-round flowers year-round flowers
64
SMALL SHRUBS
Ixora coccinea Lantana depressa Leucophyllum frutescens Lyonia lucida
Ixora Weeping Lantana, Texas Sage, Texas Ranger, Fetterbush,
Pineland Lantana Silverleaf, Barometer Bush Shiny Lyonia
C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes N C 8b-10a No N C 8-9 Yes
10-15ñ 4-10ð Fast 3-6ñ 3-6ð 3-5ñ 3-5ð 3-15ñ 2-5ð
Any S/L S S/L
L-N H M L-N
dark green, glossy leaves; small, yellow, year-round semi-evergreen shrub; evergreen; white/pink spring
colorful year-round flowers flowers; susceptible to pests; white/pink/lavender/blue flowers; leaf spotting may occur
berries are poisonous flowers after summer rains;
prefers dry, hot sites; doesn't
like fertilizer or compost
Mahonia fortunei Malpighia coccigera Pyracantha coccinea Raphiolepis spp. and cvs.
Fortune’s Mahonia, Chinese Miniature Holly Firethorn Indian Hawthorn
Mahonia, Holly Grape
N 8b-9 No S 10b-11 No N C 8-9 No N C 8-9 No
Slow 3-5ñ 3-5ð Slow 2-5ñ 4-6ð 10-15ñ 8-12ð 2-10ñ 2-6ð
Any Any Any Any
Medium Medium Medium High
M M L-N M
also known as Berberis fortunei; pink, spring through summer white, showy flowers; flowers vary; provides food for
yellow year-round flowers; well flowers; red berries; sensitive to red/orange fall and winter wildlife; use disease-resistant
suited as foundation plant on pests fruit; works well as freestanding cvs., plant in full sun; suscepti-
north or east side of a building specimen plant; can be ble to disease
espaliered or trained onto a
trellis; susceptible to pests and
diseases
65
SMALL SHRUBS
Scientific Rosa spp. Rosmarinus spp. Russelia equisetiformis Russelia sarmentosa

Common Rose Rosemary Firecracker Plant, Firecracker Plant
Coral Plant
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 Var. N C S 8-11 No C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S Fast 1-20ñ 2-8ð 3-6ñ 4-5ð 3-5ñ 6-12ð Fast 3-4ñ 2-4ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M M M U
Wildlife
flowers vary; susceptible to evergreen herb with aromatic multi-branched shrub; rush-like red, summer flowers; provides
pests and diseases needle-like leaves; flowers vary stems; red year-round flowers; food for wildlife
susceptible to pests
Scientific Sabal etonia Spiraea spp. Strelitzia reginae

Common Scrub Palmetto Reeve’s Spirea, Bird of Paradise
Bridal Wreath
Reg/Native C S 9-11 Yes N C 8-9 No S 10-11 No
G, H, S Slow 4-6ñ 4-6ð 3-5ñ 3-4ð 3-5ñ 2-4ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N L-N
Wildlife
small, white, spring through deciduous; white, spring flow- large leathery leaves are held
summer flowers; small, black ers; check with your local upright on stiff stalks;
berries in summer through fall Extension office before final orange/blue striking flowers;
provide food for wildlife; long- species selection susceptible to pests; tolerates
lived; difficult to transplant occasionally wet soil
66
VINES
Allamanda cathartica Aristolochia spp. Aster carolinianus Bignonia capreolata
Yellow Allamanda Dutchman’s Pipe, Climbing Aster Cross Vine,
Pipevine Trumpet Flower
C S 9-11 No C S 9-10 Var. N C S 8-10b Yes N C S 8-10 Yes
Fast 1-20ñ 1-20ð Fast 10-15ñ 10-15ð 1-12ñ 2-4ð Fast 1-50ñ 1-50ð
Any S Any Any
Medium Medium Medium High
L-N L-N L-N M
evergreen; yellow, trumpet- tender evergreen vine; also known as Ampelaster fast-growing, high-climbing
shaped, year-round flowers; all white/purple, summer through carolinianus, Symphyotricum vine; orange/red, trumpet-
plant parts are poisonous winter flowers; larval food carolinianum; lavender, fall shaped, spring flowers
plant for several swallowtail flowers
butterflies
Bougainvillea cvs. Campsis radicans Decumaria barbara Ficus pumila

Bougainvillea Trumpet Creeper, Climbing Hydrangea, Creeping fig
Trumpet Vine Wood Vamp, Cow Itch Vine
C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-10a Yes N C 8-9a Yes N C S 8-11 No
Fast 4-40ñ 15-40ð Fast 1-40ñ 1-40ð 1-60ñ 1-60ð 1-40ñ 1-40ð
S/L Any S/L Any
M L-N L-N L-N
evergreen, shrubby vine; brilliant orange, summer white, spring flowers dense grower; needs no
pink/yellow/orange, year- flowers support to adhere to walls,
round flowers; large spines; which may cause maintenance
susceptible to freeze damage problems; well suited for
groundcover, and hanging
basket use
67
VINES
Scientific Gelsemium sempervirens Hedera canariensis Hedera helix Ipomoea spp. (natives only)
Common Carolina Jessamine, Algerian Ivy, English Ivy Morning Glory
Yellow Jasmine Canary Ivy
Reg/Native N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8b-10 No N C 8-9 No N C S 8-11 Yes
G, H, S Fast 20-40ñ 20-30ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-6ð Fast 1-2ñ 2-5ð Fast 10-20ñ 10-40ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Low Medium Medium High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N M
Wildlife
evergreen; yellow, tubular, distinctive, red leaf stems; bold leaves provide dark green flower color varies; can spread
winter through spring flowers; beautiful, thick, leathery mat of foliage; tenacious aerial easily; provides food for wildlife
rapid growth when established; foliage; rapid growth rate, roots guide the plant up tree
poisonous watch for aggressive spread; trunks, walls, or trellises; rapid
rich groundcover in the shade growth rate; watch for aggres-
sive spread
Scientific Jasminum multiflorum Lonicera sempervirens Mandevilla cvs. Millettia reticulata

Common Downy Jasmine Honeysuckle, Pink Allamanda, Evergreen Wisteria
Coral Honeysuckle Mandevilla
Reg/Native C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9 Yes C S 9b-11 No C S 9-11 No
G, H, S Fast 5-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 10-15ñ 10-15ð 1-10ñ 1-10ð Fast 12-15ñ 10-12ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium Medium Low
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N M
Wildlife
white, fragrant, year-round dark green, smooth leaves; twining evergreen vine; deciduous in North Florida;
flowers; dies back in freeze, red, spring through summer many cultivars; pink/white, glossy, leathery textured leaves;
may come back; susceptible to flowers; fruit provides food for year-round flowers purple, summer through fall
pests; sprawling form wildlife; susceptible to freeze flowers
damage
68
VINES
Pandorea jasminoides Passiflora incarnata Petrea volubilis Quisqualis indica
Bower Vine Maypop, Queen’s Wreath Rangoon Creeper
Passion Vine
C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 Yes S 10b-11 No S 10a-11 No
Fast 1-20ñ 1-20ð Fast 5-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 30-40ñ 30-40ð Fast 1-40ñ 1-40ð
Any Any Any Any
L-N M L-N L-N
evergreen; maintains an open, evergreen; pink/purple, evergreen; purple, spring 1" flowers turn from white to
fine-textured effect; 2 inch summer through fall flowers; flowers pink or pink to deep red,
wide, white, pink-throated, larval food plant of zebra blooms in spring through fall;
summer through winter flowers longwing, gulf fritillary, and good for fences, pergolas, and
variegated fritillary butterflies; small buildings; susceptible to
tolerates occasionally wet soil pests
Thunbergia alata Trachelospermum jasminoides Wisteria frutescens

Black-Eyed Susan Vine Confederate Jasmine, American Wisteria
Star Jasmine
N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-10 No N C 8-9 Yes
Fast 5-10ñ 5-10ð Fast 1-40ñ 1-40ð Fast 10-20ñ 6-12ð
S/L Any Any
Low Medium Medium
L-N L-N L-N
perennial; yellow, summer white, fragrant, showy, spring lavender, fragrant, spring
flowers flowers; susceptible to diseases through summer flowers;
poisonous parts
69
GROUNDCOVERS
Scientific Ajuga reptans Anthericum sanderi Arachis glabrata Ardisia japonica

Common Bugleweed, St. Bernard’s Lily Perennial Peanut Japanese Ardisia
Carpet Bugleweed
Reg/Native N C 8-9a No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C 8-9 No
G, H, S Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-11/2 ñ 1/2 -1ð Slow 1/2 -1ñ 1-8ð 1/2 -1ñ 1-3ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any S Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium High Low
Light/Best
Salt
L-N U H U
Wildlife
purple/blue, spring through white, spring flowers yellow/orange, summer shiny, leathery, dark green
summer flowers; spreads quick- through fall flowers; no nitrogen leaves; pink/white, 5-petaled,
ly; many cultivars; susceptible to fertilizer needed; may spread spring flowers; small, red,
disease aggressively; withstands foot winter fruit
traffic; damaged by frost in
North and Central Florida
Scientific Aspidistra elatior Cyrtomium falcatum Dryopteris spp. Dyschoriste oblongifolia

Common Cast Iron Plant, Holly Fern Autumn Fern Twin Flower,
Barroom Plant Oblongleaf Snakeherb
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-11 Var. N C S 8-11 Yes
G, H, S Slow 1-3ñ 1-3ð 2-3ñ 3-4ð Slow 1-4ñ 1-4ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-11/2 ð
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
dark, green, glossy foliage; evergreen fern; good low- dark green fern with delicate lavender, year-round flowers;
brown flowers periodically maintenance groundcover; appearance; fronds appear commonly used as groundcov-
throughout the year; tolerates susceptible to pests reddish when young; choose er; larval food plant for com-
deep shade better than most species based on growing mon Buckeye
plants conditions
70
GROUNDCOVERS
Ernodea littoralis Evolvulus glomeratus Glandularia tampensis Hedera canariensis
Golden creeper Blue Daze Tampa Vervain, Algerian Ivy,
Tampa Mock Vervain Canary Ivy
S 10-11 Yes C S 9-11 No C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8b-10 No
1-3ñ 1-3ð 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð 11/2 -2ñ 1-11/2 ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-6ð
S/C Any S Any
H H L-N M
small, light green, succulent creates grey/green carpet-like also known as Verbena distinctive, red leaf stems;
leaves on bright red stems; cover accented with sky blue, tampensi; purplish-pink/white, beautiful, thick, leathery
inconspicuous, pinkish, tubular spring through summer flowers summer flowers foliage; rapid growth rate,
flowers; golden berries; will die watch for aggressive spread;
if overwatered rich groundcover in the shade
Hedera helix Ipomoea spp. (natives only) Juniperus conferta and cvs. Juniperus horizontalis and cvs.
English Ivy Sweet Potato Vine, Shore Juniper Creeping Juniper,
Railroad Vine, Varies Horizontal Juniper
N C 8-9 No N C S 8-11 Yes N C 8-9 No N C 8a-9a No
Fast 1-2ñ 2-5ð Fast 10-20ñ 10-40ð Slow 1-2ñ 6-10ð 1/2 -1ñ 8-10ð
Any Any S Any
L-N M H M
bold leaves provide dark green flower color varies; can spread flammable - in wildfire prone plants become thin in partial
mat of foliage; tenacious aerial easily; provides food for wildlife areas, plant minimum 30' from shade; does not tolerate water-
roots guide the plant up tree buildings; must be in full sun logged conditions; susceptible
trunks, walls, or trellises; rapid and well drained soils; used for to pests and diseases
growth rate; watch for aggres- dune stabilization; susceptible
sive spread to diseases
71
GROUNDCOVERS
Scientific Lantana montevidensis Liriope muscari and cvs. Mimosa strigillosa Nephrolepis biserrata
Common Trailing Lantana Liriope, Monkey Grass, Powderpuff, Giant Sword Fern
Lily Turf, Border Grass Sunshine Mimosa
Reg/Native C S 9-11 No N C 8-9 No N C S 8-11 Yes C S 9-11 Yes
G, H, S Fast 1-3ñ 4-8ð 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1/2 -3/4 ñ 8-10ð 1-4ñ 1-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any Any C/L
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
H M M L-N
Wildlife
white/pink/lavender, summer purple, summer flowers; forms perennial; pink powderpuff should not be confused with the
through fall flowers; susceptible a solid groundcover in a few flowers; FNGLA Plant of the exotic invasive fern Nephrolepis
to pests and diseases years; variegated cultivar is Year cordifolia; may spread beyond
damaged by frost; susceptible small gardens and become
to pests difficult to control; looks best in
full shade
Scientific Nephrolepis exaltata Ophiopogon japonicus and cvs. Phyla nodiflora Rumohra adiantiformis
Common Sword Fern Mondo Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf, Turkey Tangle Fogfruit, Leatherleaf Fern,
Dwarf Liriopoe Capeweed Seven Weeks Fern
Reg/Native C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S 1-4ñ 1-4ð Slow 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -2ð 1/2 -1ñ 8-10ð 1-3ñ 4-5ð
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N L-N
Wildlife
should not be confused with the white, summer flowers; dark small, purplish-white flowers; evergreen fern with triangular-
exotic invasive fern Nephrolepis green, grass-like mounds; may appear dormant in shaped, dark glossy green
cordifolia; may spread beyond tolerates some foot traffic drought but comes back; leaflets
small gardens and become occasional mowing improves
difficult to control; looks best in appearance; excellent butterfly
full shade attractor; can become weedy;
larval food plant
72
GROUNDCOVERS
Scaevola plumieri Thelypteris kunthii Trachelospermum asiaticum Trachelospermum jasminoides
Inkberry Southern Shield Fern Small-Leaf Confederate Confederate Jasmine,
Jasmine, Asiatic Jasmine Star Jasmine
S 10-11 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8b-10 No N C S 8b-10 No
Slow 2-4ñ 3-8ð Fast 2-3ñ 2-4ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-30ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-30ð
S/L Any Any Any
H L-N M L-N
small, pink/white, summer robust fern with graceful light small, dark green glossy leaves, white, fragrant, showy, spring
flowers; spreads by under- green foliage; may spread prominent light green veins; flowers; susceptible to diseases
ground rhizomes; suited for beyond small gardens and tolerates foot traffic; spreads
coastal areas become difficult to control aggressively; susceptible to
pests, diseases and cold
damage in low 20's
Vinca major Zamia floridana Zamia furfuracea

Periwinkle Coontie, Florida Arrowroot, Cardboard Plant
Florida Zamia
N C 8a-9 No N C S 8b-11 Yes C S 9b-11 No
1-2ñ 1-5ð Slow 1-5ñ 3-5ð Slow 2-5ñ 5-8ð
Any Any Any
Medium High High
L-N H H
oval or heart-shaped dark small palm-like perennial plant; seeds and caudex poisonous;
green leaves; blue/purple/ Florida’s only native cycad; sole freezes in central Florida and
lavender, summer flowers; good larval food plant for atala but- can come back
for shaded, small gardens; does terfly; susceptible to pests and
not tolerate hot, dry conditions cold damage in the 20's
73
GRASSES
Scientific Andropogon spp. Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana Cymbopogon citratus Chasmanthium latifolium
Common Bluestem Grass Wiregrass Lemongrass River Oats, Northern Sea Oats,
Indian Wood-oats
Reg/Native N C 8-9 Var. N C S 8-11 Yes S 10-11 No N 8-9a Yes
G, H, S Fast 3-10ñ 3-7ð Fast 2-4ñ 2-3ð Fast 4-6ñ 4-6ð Fast 2-5ñ 2-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High High Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N U L-N
Wildlife
perennial bunch grass; species also known as Aristida scented leaves remain green fall color; tan/bronze, summer
need vary; check with Extension beyrichiana; tan, year-round most of the year, turning dark through fall flowers; larval
office before making final flowers; provides food and red in fall and winter; dies to food plant for Gemmed Satyr
selection; silver/white/pink, cover for wildlife; depends on the ground in winter in North butterfly
fall flowers regular summer burning to Florida
stimulate flowering and seed
production
Scientific Distichlis spicata Eragrostis elliottii Eragrostis spectabilis Miscanthus sinensis

Common Salt Grass Elliott’s Lovegrass Purple Lovegrass Zebra Grass,
Eulalia Grass
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-11 No
G, H, S Slow 1-2ñ 2-4ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð 1-9ñ 3-5ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L S/L Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Low High High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N L-N H
Wildlife
tough, scaly rhizomes and rigid tan, year-round flowers, small, red/purple, year-round dies to the ground in winter in
stems; few seeds are produced; especially in fall flowers, especially in fall; North Florida; excellent
reproduction is mostly from grows best in hot, dry sites specimen plant; susceptible to
rhizomes pests and disease
74
GRASSES
Muhlenbergia capillaris Panicum virgatum and cvs. Paspalum quadrifarium Schizachyrium scoparium
Muhly Grass Panic Grass Evergreen Paspalum, Little Blue Stem Grass
Crown Grass
N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-10 No N C 8-9 Yes
2-5ñ 2-3ð Fast 1-5ñ 1-5ð Fast 3-4ñ 3-4ð 1-3ñ 1-3ð
S Any S/L Any
High High High High
H H H U
pink, fall flowers; tolerates tan, summer flowers tan, summer flowers; FNGLA medium-sized bunchgrass;
extreme drought and flooding Plant of the Year lavender/blue stem; good for
restoring damaged wildland
recreation areas; provides food
and cover for wildlife
Spartina spp. Thysanolaena maxima Tripsacum dactyloides and cvs. Tripsacum floridana
Cordgrass Tiger Grass Fakahatchee Grass, Florida Gama Grass
Gamma Grass
N C 8-9 Var. N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes
Fast 3-4ñ 3-5ð Fast 6-10ñ 6-10ð 4-6ñ 4-6ð 2-4ñ 4-6ð
S Any Any Any
H M M M
marsh grass; fine-textured, wire bamboo-like appearance; cream/orange/red/yellow, yellow, spring through summer
leaves form a fountain pattern; large, linear leaves spring through summer flowers; flowers; used to control erosion;
tan, summer flowers; species tolerates flooding and standing good plant for detention ponds,
needs vary, choose based on water; larval food plant for swales and canal banks
site conditions; check with your Byssus Skipper butterfly
local Extension office prior to
species selection
75
PA L M S A N D PA L M - L I K E P L A N T S
Scientific Acoelorrhaphe wrightii Arenga engleri Bismarckia nobilis Butia capitata

Common Paurotis Palm, Formosa Palm, Bismarck Palm Pindo Palm,
Saw Cabbage Palm Dwarf Sugar Palm Jelly Palm
Reg/Native S 10-11 Yes C S 9a-11 No S 10a-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S Slow 15-30ñ 10-15ð Slow 8-10ñ 12-16ð 40-70ñ 15-20ð Slow 15-25ñ 10-15ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium None High High
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N M M
Wildlife
yellow/white, spring flowers; dark, olive-green leaves often stiff, waxy, blue- green fronds; edible fruit used for jelly;
forms dense clump so provide twist, giving a slight spiraling white/cream flowers provides food for wildlife; looks
plenty of space; susceptible to appearance; red/orange/ best in full sun; white flowers;
manganese deficiency; tolerates green, spring flowers; red to susceptible to pests; high wind
occasionally wet soil deep purple fruit resistance
Scientific Carpentaria acuminata Caryota mitis Ceratozamia hildae Ceratozamia kuesteriana

Common Carpentaria Palm Fishtail Palm Bamboo Cycad
Reg/Native S 10b-11 No S 10b-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No

G, H, S Slow 35-40ñ 8-10ð 15-25ñ 10-15ð Slow 5-7ñ 3-5ð Slow 4-5ñ 3-4ð
Light/Best
Salt
L-N U L-N L-N
Wildlife
white/cream, spring through multi-stemmed clumps; light sharp thorns, plant away from emergent growth on some
fall flowers; tolerates occasion- green leaflets shaped like fish’s sidewalks forms has a reddish color
ally wet soil; can cause skin tail fin; caution - may be inva-
irritation sive in South Florida
76
Chamaedorea spp. Chamaerops humilis Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Coccothrinax argentata
Chamaedorea, Bamboo Palm, European Fan Palm Yellow Butterfly Palm Silver Palm
Miniature Fishtail Palm
N C S variable No N C S 8-11 No S 10a-11 No S 10b-11 Yes
Fast 1-20ñ 2-8ð Slow 5-15ñ 6-15ð 15-25ñ 6-10ð Fast 3-15ñ 6-7ð
Any Any Any Any
L-N M M H
species needs vary, choose clumping palm; yellow, summer also known as Dypsis lutescens; distinctive, dark, blue-green,
based on conditions; cream, flowers; susceptible to pests; tolerates occasionally wet soil; drooping, deeply divided
spring through summer flowers; very cold-hardy; petioles with high wind resistance; suscepti- palmate leaves; white, summer
good container plant; potential sharp teeth ble to pest and K deficiency flowers; Key Deer food source;
skin irritant high wind resistance
Dioon edule Howea forsterana Licuala grandis Livistona spp.

Dioon, Chamal, Kentia Palm, Ruffled Fan Palm, Vanuatu Chinese Fan Palm
Mexican Sago Sentry Palm Fan Palm, Licuala Palm
N C S 8-11 No S 10-11 No S 10b-11 No C S 9-11 No
Slow 1-8ñ 4-6ð 15-25ñ 6-10ð Slow 6-12ñ 3-6ð 20-50ñ 8-15ð
Any S/L S/L S/L
M L-N L-N M
leaflets very sharp; can tolerate white, summer flowers; suscepti- white, year-round flowers flowers vary; stately palm with
adverse conditions for periods; ble to diseases single trunk; susceptible to
susceptible to pests scales; caution - L. chinensis
may be invasive in Central and
South Florida
77
Scientific Nolina recurvata Phoenix spp. except Pseudophoenix sargentii Ptychosperma elegans
Common Ponytail Palm Phoenix reclinata Buccaneer Palm, Alexander Palm, Solitary
Date Palms Sargent’s Palm Palm, Solitaire Palm
Reg/Native S 10a-11 No N C S 8-11 No S 10a-11 Yes S 10a-11 No
G, H, S Slow 10-15ñ 12-18ð Slow 6-80ñ 6-25ð Slow 10-40ñ 10-20ð Slow 15-25ñ 6-10ð
Light/Best
Salt
M M M L-N
Wildlife
unique plume of long leaves yellow, summer flowers; yellow, summer flowers; white, summer flowers; resistant
atop a single trunk with a bulb- Phoenix canariensis, Phoenix produces grape-sized red fruit; to lethal yellowing; high wind
like base; susceptible to pests dactylifera and Phoenix endangered in Florida resistance; caution - may be
and diseases roebelinii have high wind invasive in South and Central
resistance; provides food for Florida
wildlife
Scientific Ptychosperma macarthuri Ravenea rivularis Rhapidophyllum hystrix Rhapis excelsa

Common Macarthur Palm Majesty Palm Needle Palm Lady Palm
Reg/Native S 10b-11 No S 10a-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes C S 9-11 No

G, H, S 15-25ñ 6-10ð 50-80ñ 10-15ð Fast 6-8ñ 5-10ð Slow 7-14ñ 10-15ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L C/L S/L S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt None High Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N M L-N L-N
Wildlife
noted for multiple, slim, ringed feather-leafed with symmetrical, red, summer flowers; yellowish forms clumps of bamboo-like
grey trunks; soft green, feath- smooth, flared trunk; creamy fruit provides food for wildlife stalks topped with very dark
ery, flat, broad leaves; white, summer flowers green fan-shaped leaves;
branched flower stalks with susceptible to pests and disease
white, summer flowers; bright
red, showy sprays of fruit
78
Rhapis humilis Roystonea regia Sabal etonia Sabal minor
Slender Lady Palm Royal Palm Scrub Palmetto Dwarf Palmetto,
Blue-stem Palmetto
C S 9b-11 No S 10a-11 Yes C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes
5-7ñ 6-10ð 50-80ñ 15-25ð Slow 4-6ñ 4-6ð Slow 4-9ñ 4-8ð
S/L Any S/L Any
M M M M
slender stems; drooping leaf tall, smooth, cement gray trunk; small, white, spring through blueish green, fan shaped leaves;
segments; forms densely packed beautiful, broad, dense crown summer flowers; small, black small, white flowers; black berries
clumps; susceptible to pests of soft, gently drooping, feath- berries in summer through fall provides food for wildlife in fall;
ery fronds; fragrant, yellow, provide food for wildlife; long- difficult to transplant; good
summer flowers; high wind lived; difficult to transplant understory plant; prefers moist
resistance soils but tolerates drier conditions
after establishment
Sabal palmetto Serenoa repens Thrinax morrisii Thrinax radiata

Cabbage Palm, Sabal Palm, Saw Palmetto Brittle Thatch Palm, Florida Thatch Palm
Cabbage Palmetto Key Thatch Palm
N C S 8b-11 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes S 10b-11 Yes S 10b-11 Yes
Slow 25-60ñ 10-15ð Slow 3-10ñ 4-10ð Slow 15-20ñ 6-10ð Slow 15-25ñ 6-10ð
Any Any Any S
High High High High
H H H H
Florida state tree; white, sum- flammable - in wildfire prone green and silver fronds; small, white; summer flowers; good
mer flowers; susceptible to areas, plant minimum 30' from white, summer flowers; tolerates palm for many landscapes due
some pests and disease; high buildings; yellow/white, spring occasionally wet soil; high wind to small size; high wind resist-
wind resistance; older palms flowers; difficult to transplant; resistance ance
transplant easily; provides food grows on first dune; round
and cover for wildlife black fruits provide food for
wildlife
79
Scientific Trachycarpus fortunei Washingtonia robusta Wodyetia bifurcata Zamia floridana

Common Windmill Palm Washington Palm Foxtail Palm Coontie, Florida Arrowroot,
Florida Zamia
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 No N C 9a-11 No S 10-11 No N C S 8b-11 Yes
G, H, S 10-25ñ 6-10ð 60-90ñ 10-15ð Slow 20-30ñ 8-20ð Fast 1-5ñ 3-5ð
Light/Best
Salt
M M M H
Wildlife
dense, brown, hair-like fibers that too tall for most home land- pale green, arching fronds with small palm-like perennial plant;
resemble burlap wrapping; 3-foot scapes; caution – may be leaflets radiating from leaf Florida’s only native cycad; sole
wide, fan-shaped fronds; incon- invasive in South Florida stem, giving appearance of larval food plant for atala hair-
spicuous, fragrant, summer flow- bottlebrush or foxtail; white, streak butterfly; susceptible to
ers; good palm for shaded land- spring flowers; colorful clusters pests and cold damage in the
scapes; tolerates occasional sun; of red to orange/red fruit 20's
susceptible to pests and disease
Scientific Zamia furfuracea

Common Cardboard Plant
Reg/Native C S 9b-11 No
G, H, S Slow 2-5ñ 5-8ð
Soil pH, Txt Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High
Light/Best
Salt
H
Wildlife
seeds and caudex poisonous;

freezes in central Florida and
can come back
80
FERNS
Acrostichum danaeifolium Adiantum capillus-veneris Blechnum serrulatum Cyrtomium falcatum
Leather Fern Southern Maidenhair Fern, Swamp Fern, Toothed Holly Fern
Venus’ Hair Fern Midsorus Fern, Saw Fern
C S 9-11 Yes S 10-11 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8b-11 No
8-10ñ 8-10ð Slow 2-3ñ 2-3ð 1-6ñ 2-6ð 2-3ñ 3-4ð
Any Any Any Any
Low Low Low Medium
M L-N L-N L-N
large fern; good for wet sites in fine-textured, delicate, fern with hardy fern; forms underground evergreen fern; good low-
shaded landscape; prolonged light grey-green, soft foliage; stems, persisting for many maintenance groundcover;
sunlight, especially in the sum- tolerates occasionally wet soil years, and spreads widely susceptible to pests
mer, can burn foliage (forms dense clumps); grows in
full sun if in moist conditions
Dicksonia antarctica Didymochlaena truncatula Dryopteris spp. Nephrolepis biserrata

Tasmanian Tree Fern, Mahogany Fern, Tree Autumn Fern Giant Sword Fern
Australian Tree Fern Maidenhair Fern
C S 9-11 No S 10 No N C S 8-11 Var. C S 9-11 Yes
Slow 20-50ñ 6-20ð Slow 3-4ñ 4-6ð Slow 1-4ñ 1-4ð 1-4ñ 1-4ð
S/L Loam Any C/L
Low Low Medium Medium
L-N U L-N L-N
does not tolerate prolonged requires moist soil; do not let dark green fern with delicate should not be confused with the
freezing or direct sun dry out between waterings appearance; fronds appear exotic invasive fern Nephrolepis
reddish when young; choose cordifolia; may spread beyond
species based on growing small gardens and become dif-
conditions ficult to control; looks best in full
shade
81
FERNS
Scientific Nephrolepis exaltata Osmunda cinnamomea Osmunda regalis Pteridium aquilinum

Common Sword Fern Cinnamon Fern Royal Fern Bracken Fern
Reg/Native C S 9-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S 8-11 Yes

G, H, S 1-4ñ 1-4ð Slow 2-5ñ 3-4ð 6-7ñ 6-7ð 3-6ñ 2-3ð
Soil pH, Txt C/L C/L Loam S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Low Low Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
should not be confused with the deciduous, shrub-like fern; requires night temperature of fronds triangular in outline
exotic invasive fern Nephrolepis good plant for detention ponds, 45° F to stay green; susceptible
cordifolia; may spread beyond swales and canal banks to pests; may be less attractive
small gardens and become during winter dormancy
difficult to control; looks best in
full shade
Scientific Rumohra adiantiformis Sphaeropteris cooperi Thelypteris kunthii

Common Leatherleaf Fern, Australian Tree Fern Southern Shield Fern
Seven Weeks Fern
Reg/Native C S 9b-11 No S 10b-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes
G, H, S 1-3ñ 4-5ð Slow 12-18ñ 8-15ð Fast 2-3ñ 2-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Low Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
evergreen fern with also known as Alsophila robust fern with graceful light
triangular-shaped, dark cooperi; single-trunked, giant green foliage; may spread
glossy green leaflets fern beyond small gardens and
become difficult to control
82
PERENNIALS
Acalypha reptans Acrostichum danaeifolium Adiantum capillus-veneris Agapanthus africanus
Dwarf Chenille Plant Leather Fern Southern Maidenhair Fern, Lily of the Nile,
Venus’ Hair Fern African Lily
S 10-11 No C S 9-11 Yes S 10-11 Yes N C S 8-10 No
Slow to 1ñ variesð 8-10ñ 8-10ð Slow 2-3ñ 2-3ð Fast 2ñ 2ð
C/L Any Any S
Medium Low Low Medium
U M L-N M
fine-textured, ground-hugging; large fern; good for wet sites in fine-textured, delicate, fern with purple/white, summer flowers;
forms a thick canopy of tiny, shaded landscape; prolonged light grey-green, soft foliage; deciduous
serrated leaves with bright red sunlight, especially in the sum- tolerates occasionally wet soil
flowers mer, can burn foliage
Agave spp. Ajuga reptans Aloe spp. Alpinia spp.

Century Plant, Bugleweed, Aloe Shell Ginger,
Agave Carpet Bugleweed Shell Flower
N C S 8-11 Var. N C 8-9a No N C S variable No N C S 8-11 No
Slow 6ñ 4-6ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð variesñ variesð Fast 6-12ñ 3-5ð
S Any Any S/C
High Medium High Low
H L-N H M
dramatic foliage and form; purple/blue, spring through species needs vary, choose green and yellow variegated
evergreen, silver/gray to summer flowers; spreads based on conditions; flowers leaves; white, fragrant flowers
blue-green foliage; showy, quickly; many cultivars; vary; injured by frost in extreme borne in drooping clusters; will
green-brown fruit; sharp spines; susceptible to disease North Florida; susceptible to not flower if freezes back
choose species adapted to caterpillars; size of plant
climate depends on species selection
83
PERENNIALS
Scientific Amorphophallus spp. Angelonia angustifolia Asclepias spp. Asimina spp.

Common Voodoo Lily, Angelonia Milkweed, Pawpaw
Snake Lily Butterfly Weed
Reg/Native N C S 9-11 No N C S 9-11 No N C S 8-10 Var. N C S 8-10 Var.
G, H, S 6ñ variesð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 2-5ñ 1-4ð 15-20ñ 15-20ð
Soil pH, Txt Any Any Any S
Light/Best
Salt
L-N U L-N L-N
Wildlife
grows very slowly in North white and/or blue, summer species needs vary, choose deciduous; species needs vary,
Florida; flowers vary, have a flowers; can be grown as an based on conditions; red/ choose based on conditions;
foul odor; size of plant depends annual but survives winters in yellow flowers; self-seeds each oval, edible fruits with a sweet,
on species selection zones 9 and 10 year; sap may irritate; rich taste, ripen to a brown/
susceptible to pests and black, wrinkled texture; flowers
diseases; provides food for vary; provides food for zebra
butterflies swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Aspidistra elatior Begonia Xsemperflorens- Belamcanda chinensis Blechnum serrulatum

Common Cast Iron Plant, cultorum Blackberry Lily Swamp Fern, Toothed
Barroom Plant Wax Begonia Midsorus Fern, Saw Fern
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-10a No N C S 8-11 Yes
G, H, S Slow 1-3ñ 1-3ð Slow 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð Fast 1-2ñ 2-4ð 1-6ñ 2-6ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Low Medium Low
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N M L-N
Wildlife
dark, green foliage with glossy, flowers vary; annual in North yellow, spring through fall hardy fern; forms underground
coarse-texture; brown flowers; and Central regions; susceptible flowers stems, persisting for many
tolerates deep shade better than to pests and diseases years, and spreads widely
most plants (forms dense clumps); grows in
full sun if in moist conditions
84
PERENNIALS
Bromeliaceae genera Bulbine frutescens Caladium Xhortulanum Canna spp.
Bromeliads, Airplants Bulbine Caladium Canna Lily
N C S 8-11 Var. C S 9-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 Var.

Slow 1-2ñ 1-2ð 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 2-6ñ 1-3ð
S Any Any Any
L-N U L-N L-N
flowers, light, region vary; orange/yellow, spring through good container plant; attractive many cultivars; attractive
choose species for climate; don’t summer flowers; clumping; foliage (red/rose/pink/white/ foliage; summer flowers vary
exchange bromeliads from best used as groundcover or silver/bronze/green); leaves
areas with Mexican bromeliad container plant die back in the fall; goes
weevil; air circulation prevents dormant; susceptible to pests
scale/mealybugs; cold/ and diseases
overwatering causes crown rot
Catharanthus roseus Conradina spp. Coreopsis spp. Costus spp.

Periwinkle, Madagascar False Rosemary, Scrub Mints, Tickseed, Coreopsis Spiral Ginger
Periwinkle, Vinca Beach Rosemary
C S 9b-11 No N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8a-10b Var. N C S 8-11 No
1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 1-4ñ 1-3ð Fast 6-10ñ 4-8ð
Any Any Any Any
High High High Low
M H M L-N
white/pink/purple, year-round blue, year-round flowers; used Florida's state wildflower; white, fragrant, summer
flowers; watch for micronutrient in beach landscaping orange/yellow, summer through fall flowers
deficiencies/disease with too flowers; may be annual or
much moisture; caution - may short-lived perennial,
be invasive in South Florida depending on species
85
PERENNIALS
Scientific Crinum spp. Crossandra spp. Cuphea hyssopifolia Curcuma spp.

Common Crinum Lily Firecracker Flower Mexican Heather, Curcuma,
False Heather Hidden Lily
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 Var. S 10 No N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S 3-6ñ 3-6ð Fast 1/2 -4ñ 1-3ð 1-2ñ 2-3ð Fast 1-6ñ 1-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium Medium High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M L-N M L-N
Wildlife
many cultivars; fragrant, species needs vary, choose purple/white/pink, year-round pink/yellow, spring flowers
spidery, year-round flowers based on conditions; flowers flowers; susceptible to pests,
vary; poisonous; susceptible to vary; can be used as annual in diseases, and freezes
pests and diseases North and Central region
Scientific Dianella spp. Dicksonia antarctica Didymochlaena truncatula Dietes iridoides

Common Flax Lily Tasmanian Tree Fern, Mahogany Fern, African Iris,
Australian Tree Fern Tree Maidenhair Fern Butterfly Iris
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 Var. C S 9-11 No S 10 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð Slow to 50ñ 6-20ð Slow 3-4ñ 4-6ð Slow 2-6ñ 1-2ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Loam Any
Soil Mst, Drgt High Low Low Medium
Light/Best
Salt
U L-N U L-N
Wildlife
blue/yellow flowers; strappy does not tolerate prolonged requires moist soil; do not let also known as Moraea
leaves freezing or direct sun dry out between waterings iridoides and Moraea vegeta,
previously Dietes vegata; 1-2"
white/yellow/blue, spring
through summer flowers
86
PERENNIALS
Dryopteris spp. Dyschoriste oblongifolia Echinacea purpurea Euryops spp.
Autumn Fern Twin Flower, Purple Coneflower Bush Daisy
Oblongleaf Snakeherb
N C S 8-11 Var. N C S 8-11 Yes N C S 8-10 Yes N C S variable No
Slow 1-4ñ 1-4ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1-11/2 ð 1-3ñ 2-3ð 3-6ñ 3-6ð
Any Any C/L Any
L-N L-N L-N M
dark green fern with delicate lavender, year-round flowers; purple, spring through summer species needs vary, choose
appearance; fronds appear commonly used as groundcover flowers; tolerates occasionally based on conditions; reseeds
reddish when young; choose wet soil readily; resprouts from base in
species based on growing spring; flowers vary
conditions
Evolvulus glomeratus Flaveria linearis Gaillardia pulchella Gaura lindheimeri

Blue Daze Yellowtop Blanket Flower White Gaura, Whirling Butterflies,
Lindheimer's Beeblossom
C S 9-11 No S 10a-11 Yes N C S 8a-11 Yes N C 8-9 No

1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð Fast 2-4ñ 2-4ð Fast 1-2ñ 2-3ð 1-3ñ 2-3ð
Any Any S/L Any
H M M L-N
creates grey/green carpet-like showy clusters of yellow disk yellow/orange/red, summer fine-textured, vase-shaped;
cover accented with sky blue, shaped, year-round flowers; flowers; rounded clumps of soft, pink/white, spring through fall
spring through summer flowers grows in soils with poor nutrient hairy, divided leaves flowers on wand-like stalks
content; provides food for but-
terflies
87
PERENNIALS
Scientific Gazania spp. Gloriosa spp. Haemanthus multiflorus Hedychium spp.,

Common Gazania, Gloriosa Lily Blood Lily hybrids and cvs.
Treasure Flower Butterfly Lily, Butterfly Ginger
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-10 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð Fast 2-8ñ 2-8ð Slow 11/2 ñ 1ð Fast 4-8ñ 2-4ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/C S/L S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium Medium Low
Light/Best
Salt
M U U M
Wildlife
yellow/orange/red, summer crimson/yellow-orange, spring also known as Scadoxus multi- white/yellow/red, spring
flowers; roots may rot from through summer flowers; grows florus; red, summer flowers flowers; thrives in boggy soils
overwatering well on trellises
Scientific Helianthus angustifolius Helianthus debilis Heliconia spp. Heliotropium angiospermum

Common Swamp Sunflower, Beach Sunflower Heliconia Scorpion Tail
Narrowleaf Sunflower
Reg/Native N C S 8b-10 Yes N C S 8b-11 Yes S 10b-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes
G, H, S Fast 2-4ñ 2-4ð Fast 1-4ñ 2-4ð Fast 2-15ñ 3-6ð 1-2ñ 1-2ð
Soil pH, Txt Any S/L Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium High None High
Light/Best
Salt
H H L-N L-N
Wildlife
perennial, yellow/brown, fall perennial; yellow/purple, year-round flowers vary evergreen; white, year-round
flowers year-round flowers; good flowers; seedlings volunteer
groundcover for beaches and readily
dune stabilization; develops
fungus if planted in wet areas
88
PERENNIALS
Hemerocallis spp. Hippeastrum spp. Hymenocallis spp. Impatiens spp.
Daylily and hybrids Spider Lily Impatiens
Amaryllis
N C S 8-10 No N C S 8-10 No N C S 8-11 Var. N C S 8-11 No
Fast 1-3ñ 1-2ð 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 1-3ñ 3-5ð 1/2 -1ñ 1ð
Any Any Any Any
H L-N H L-N
many cultivars; summer flowers large red/white, spring flowers region depends on species - annual with brilliantly marked
vary; susceptible to diseases in clusters of two to five; semi- choose species adapted to your foliage and ability to tolerate
evergreen area; white/yellow, spring great amounts of sun; flowers
through fall flowers vary
Iris hexagona Iris virginica Justicia brandegeana Justicia carnea

Louisiana Iris, Virginia Iris, Shrimp Plant Jacobinia,
Blue Flag Iris Blue Flag Iris Flamingo Plant
N C S 8-10 No N C S 8b-11 Yes N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
2-5ñ 1/2 ð 4-7ñ 1-3ð Fast 2-6ñ 2-4ð Slow 3-6ñ 2-3ð
S/L Any Any Any
Low Medium Medium Low
L-N L-N L-N L-N
purple, spring flowers; flowers textured, light-green foliage white, summer flowers; evergreen; summer through fall
best in full sun; good for rain emerging in dense clumps; susceptible to pests and freezes flowers vary; susceptible to
gardens lavender, spring flowers; good pests, diseases, and freezes
for rain gardens
89
PERENNIALS
Scientific Justicia spicigera Kaempferia spp. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Lantana involucrata

Common Orange Plum Peacock Ginger Kalanchoe, Wild Sage,
Madagascar Widow’s Thrill Buttonsage
Reg/Native S 10b-11 No N C S 8-10 No S 10-11 No C S 9-11 Yes
G, H, S Fast 5ñ 3-5ð Fast 2ñ 1-4ð Slow 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð Fast 2-5ñ 1-5ð
Soil pH, Txt Any C/L S/L S/L
Soil Mst, Drgt Low Medium High Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N M H
Wildlife
orange; summer flowers intricate foliage patterns in succulent; dark green with white, year-round flowers
colors of burgundy and bronze; scallop edged leaves; pink/
small, four-petaled, violet to red/yellow, winter through
purple flowers spring flowers
Scientific Leonotis leonurus Liatris spp. Liriope muscari and cvs. Lycoris spp.
Common Lion’s Ear Blazing Star Liriope, Monkey Grass, Hurricane Lily
Lily Turf, Border Grass
Reg/Native C S 9-11 No N C S 8-10b Var. N C 8-9 No N C 8-9 No
G, H, S Fast 4-5ñ 2-3ð 3ñ 1/2 -1ð 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð 11/2 ñ 1ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High Medium Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
H L-N M L-N
Wildlife
orange/red, summer through lavender/pink/white, summer purple, summer flowers; forms flower after heavy summer
winter flowers through fall flowers a solid groundcover in a few rains; yellow/red/pink, early
years; variegated cultivar is fall flowers
damaged by frost; susceptible
to pests
90
PERENNIALS
Musa spp. Neomarica gracilis Odontonema strictum Osmunda cinnamomea
Banana Walking Iris Firespike Cinnamon Fern
C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-10 Yes

Fast 7-30ñ 10-15ð 2-3ñ 2-3ð 2-6ñ 2-3ð Slow 2-5ñ 3-4ð
Any Any S/L C/L
Low Low Medium Low
L-N L-N L-N L-N
edible fruit; showy purple or clumping herbaceous perennial; herbaceous perennial; red, fall deciduous, shrub-like fern;
orange flowers; needs regular white/blue, spring through fall through winter flowers good plant for retention ponds,
watering; susceptible to flowers swales and canal banks
disease, pests, and frost
Osmunda regalis Pachystachys lutea Pentas lanceolata Philodendron spp. and cvs.
Royal Fern Golden Shrimp Plant Pentas, Starflower Philodendron
N C S 8-10 Yes C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No C S 8b-11 No

6-7ñ 6-7ð 2-3ñ 2-3ð Fast 2-4ñ 2-3ð Fast 1-12ñ 2-15ð
Loam Any Any Any
Low Low Medium Medium
L-N L-N M L-N
requires night temperature of yellow, spring through fall many cultivars; select species based on site
45° F to stay green; susceptible flowers red/pink/white/lilac, summer conditions; check with your
to pests; may be less attractive flowers; susceptible to freeze local Extension office before
during winter dormancy damage final species selection
91
PERENNIALS
Scientific Phlox divaricata Plectranthus spp. Plumbago auriculata cvs. Pteridium aquilinum
Common Blue Phlox Plectranthus Plumbago Bracken Fern
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No C S 9-11 No N C S 8-11 Yes

G, H, S Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 1-5ñ 1-4ð Fast 6-10ñ 8-10ð 3-6ñ 2-3ð
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
purple, summer flowers flowers vary; ‘Mona Lavender’ blue/white, year-round flowers; fronds triangular in outline
was FNGLA Plant of the Year in susceptible to pests and freezes
2004
Scientific Rudbeckia fulgida Rudbeckia hirta Salvia spp. Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Common Rudbeckia Black-Eyed Susan Salvia, Sage Blue-eyed Grass
Reg/Native N C 8-9 Yes N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8a-11 Var. N C S 8-11 Yes

G, H, S Fast 3ñ 3ð 2-3ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-8ñ 1-10ð Fast 1/2 -11/2ñ 1/2 -11/2ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L Any S Any

Soil Mst, Drgt Low Medium Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
showy, daisy-like flower; large, yellow-orange to red- flowers vary blue, spring flowers
produces masses of golden dish-orange, summer flowers;
color all summer does not tolerate prolonged,
wet weather
92
PERENNIALS
Solenostemon Solidago spp. Sphaeropteris cooperi Sprekelia formosissima
scuttellarioides Goldenrod Australian Tree Fern Aztec Lily, Jacobean Lily,
Coleus St. James Lily
N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-10 Var. S 10b-11 No N C S 8-10b No
Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð 2-6ñ 1/2 -2ð Slow 12-18ñ 8-15ð Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð
Any S S/L S/L
Low High Low Low
L-N H L-N M
purple, summer flowers; many yellow, summer through fall also known as Alsophila red, spring through summer
cultivars; ‘Hurricane Louise’ was flowers; some species form cooperi; single-trunked, giant flowers
FNGLA Plant of the Year in large colonies; Solidago oduro fern
2005; susceptible to pests and is the Florida native
diseases
Stachytarpheta spp. Stokesia laevis Tulbaghia violacea Zephyranthes spp.

Porterweed Stokes’ Aster Society Garlic Rain Lily,
Zephyr Lily
N C S 8-11 Var. N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8a-11 No N C S 8-11 Var.
Fast 2-8ñ 3-4ð Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð
Any S/L S/L Any

Medium High High Medium
M L-N L-N M
flowers vary blue/white, summer flowers; lavender, spring through fall white/yellow/pink/red, spring
many cultivars flowers; plant has strong garlic through fall flowers; susceptible
scent to pests
93
PERENNIALS
Scientific Zingiber zerumbet

Common Pine Cone Ginger
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 No
G, H, S 4-7ñ 4-6ð
Soil pH, Txt Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M
Wildlife
red, fragrant, fall flowers;

tolerates occasionally wet soil
94
ANNUALS
Ageratum spp. Amaranthus spp. Angelonia angustifolia Begonia Xsemperflorens-
Ageratum Amaranth Angelonia cultorum
Wax Begonia
N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 Var. N C S 9-11 No N C S 8-11 No
1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Slow 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð
Any Any Any Any

Low Medium Medium Low
L-N M U L-N
many cultivars; purple/white, many cultivars; attractive white and/or blue, summer flowers vary; annual in North
year-round flowers foliage; inconspicuous flowers flowers and Central regions; susceptible
to pests and diseases
Caladium Xhortulanum Calendula spp. Catharanthus roseus Celosia spp.

Caladium Pot Marigold Periwinkle, Madagascar Celosia
Periwinkle, Vinca
N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No C S 9b-11 No N C S 8-11 No
Fast 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-11/2 ñ 1-11/2 ð 1-2ñ 1-2ð Fast 1/2 -2ñ 1/2 -1ð
Any Any Any Any

Medium Low High Low
L-N M M L-N
good container plant; attractive yellow/orange, winter through white/pink/purple, year-round many cultivars; summer flowers
foliage (red/rose/pink/white/ spring flowers flowers; susceptible to vary
silver/bronze/green); leaves micronutrient deficiencies/
die back in the fall; goes disease with too much moisture;
dormant; susceptible to pests caution - may be invasive in
and diseases South Florida
95
ANNUALS
Scientific Coreopsis spp. Gazania spp. Impatiens spp. Justicia brandegeana

Common Tickseed, Coreopsis Gazania, Impatiens Shrimp Plant
Treasure Flower
Reg/Native N C S 8a-10b Var. N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8b-11 No
G, H, S Fast 1-4ñ 1-3ð 1/2 -1ñ 1-2ð 1/2 -1ñ 1ð Fast 2-6ñ 2-4ð
Soil Mst, Drgt High High None Medium
Light/Best
Salt
M M L-N L-N
Wildlife
Florida’s state wildflower; yellow/orange/red, summer annual with brilliantly marked white, summer flowers;
orange/yellow, summer flow- flowers; roots may rot from foliage and ability to tolerate susceptible to pests and freezes
ers; may be annual or short- overwatering great amounts of sun; flowers
lived perennial, depending on vary
species
Scientific Justicia carnea Justicia spicigera Lobularia maritima Monarda punctata

Common Jacobinia, Orange Plum Sweet Alyssum Spotted Horsemint, Dotted
Flamingo Plant Horsemint, Spotted Beebalm
Reg/Native N C S 8b-11 No S 10b-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C 8b-9 Yes
G, H, S Slow 3-6ñ 2-3ð Fast 5ñ 3-5ð 1/2 -1ñ 1/2 -1ð Fast 1-3ñ 2-4ð
Soil Mst, Drgt Low Low Medium Medium
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N H
Wildlife
evergreen; summer through fall orange; summer flowers purple/white/pink, winter pink, summer through fall
flowers vary; susceptible to flowers; tolerates light frost flowers
pests, diseases, and freezes
96
ANNUALS
Pachystachys lutea Pentas lanceolata Petunia Xhybrida Rudbeckia fulgida
Golden Shrimp Plant Pentas, Starflower Petunia Rudbeckia
C S 9b-11 No N C S 8b-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C 8-9 Yes

2-3ñ 2-3ð Fast 2-4ñ 2-3ð Fast 1/2 -11/2 ñ 1ð Fast 3ñ 3ð
Any Any Any S/L
Low Medium Low Low
L-N M M L-N
yellow, spring through fall many cultivars; red/pink/ many flower colors, in fall showy, daisy-like flower;
flowers white/lilac, summer flowers; through spring; can be grown produces masses of golden
susceptible to freeze damage as perennial in South Florida; color all summer
susceptible to pests and
diseases
Rudbeckia hirta Solenostemon scuttellarioides Tagetes spp. Tithonia rotundiflora

Black-Eyed Susan Coleus Marigold Mexican Sunflower
N C 8-9 Yes N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-10 No

2-3ñ 1-2ð Fast 1-3ñ 1-3ð Fast 1-3ñ 1ð Fast 5-6ñ 3-4ð
Any Any S/L Any
Medium Low Medium High
L-N L-N L-N U
large, yellow-orange to red- purple, summer flowers; many flowers vary red/orange, summer flowers
dish-orange, summer flowers; cultivars; ‘Hurricane Louise’ was
does not tolerate prolonged, FNGLA Plant of the Year in
wet weather 2005; susceptible to pests and
diseases
97
ANNUALS
Scientific Torenia fournieri Viola spp. Viola Xwittrockiana Zinnia hybrids

Common Wishbone Flower Violet, Johnny-jump-up Pansy Zinnia
Reg/Native N C S 8-11 No N C 8-9 Var. N C S 8-11 No N C S 8-11 No

G, H, S 1/2-11/2ñ 1-11/2ð Fast 1/2-1ñ 1/2-1ð Slow 1/2-1ñ 1/2-1ð Fast 1/2-3ñ 1ð
Soil pH, Txt S/L S/L Any Any
Soil Mst, Drgt Low Low Low High
Light/Best
Salt
L-N L-N L-N L-N
Wildlife
lavender/pink/blue/white, cold hardy annual many cultivars; year-round many varieties with wide range
spring through fall flowers; flowers vary; needs regular of flower colors and sizes, year-
susceptible to pests watering in warm weather round flowering; susceptible to
pests and diseases
98
TURFGRASS
LEGEND FOR TURFGRASS
MOWING HT: Mowing turf below the recommended height can stress the grass and subject it to invasion by weeds.
LEAF: Fine, Medium, Coarse, Fine-Medium, Coarse-Medium (Relative measure of leaf blade width. Texture is merely a visual
preference.)
MAINT. LEVEL: Low, Medium, High, Medium-High (Amount of fertilization, irrigation, and mowing required.)
SOIL pH: Any, Acid (Ideal soil pH and texture for healthy turf.)
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Low, Medium, High (Measure of how well the turf will survive extended dry periods without irriga-
tion or rainfall after it has been properly established.)
SALT: Low, Medium, High, None (Ability to thrive when subjected to salt stress from irrigation water, saltwater intrusion, or
salt spray from the ocean.)
SHADE: Low, Medium, High (Ability to thrive when exposed to shade.)
ESTABLISHMENT METHODS: Sod, Sprigs, Plugs, Seed (A quality lawn can be established by any method listed if the site is
properly prepared and maintained.)
Scientific Cynodon dactylon Eremochloa ophiuroides Paspalum notatum

Common Bermudagrass Centipedegrass Bahiagrass
Mw Ht/Leaf/Mnt Lv 1-2 in. F-M M-H 1.5-2 in. M Low 3-4 in. C-M Low
Soil pH/Drgt/Slt/Sh Any Medium M L Acid Medium L M Acid High N L
Estab. Methods Sod, sprigs, plugs, some seed Sod, sprigs, plugs, seed Sod, seed
adapted to entire state; medium wear adapted to North Florida and the adapted to entire state; low wear
tolerance; low nematode tolerance Panhandle; low wear tolerance; low tolerance; high nematode tolerance
nematode tolerance
Scientific Stenotaphrum secundatum Stenotaphrum secundatum Zoysia japonica

Common St. Augustinegrass St. Augustinegrass Zoysiagrass
‘Semi-dwarf cvs.’ ‘Standard height cvs.’
Mw Ht/Leaf/Mnt Lv 2-2.5 in. C-M Medium 3.5-4 in. C-M Medium 2-2.5in. F-M High
Soil pH/Drgt/Slt/Sh Any Low M V Any Low M V Any Medium M V
Estab. Methods Sod, sprigs, plugs Sod, sprigs, plugs Sod, sprigs, plugs
adapted to entire state; low wear tol- adapted to entire state; low wear adapted to entire state; medium wear
erance; medium nematode tolerance; tolerance; medium nematode tolerance; low nematode tolerance;
shade tolerance varies depending on tolerance; shade tolerance varies shade tolerance varies depending on
cultivar selection depending on cultivar selection cultivar selection
99
Additional Information
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Grasses: Chasmanthium latifolium, Panicum virgatum, Paspalum quadrifarium,
Thysenolanea maxima, Tripsacum dactyloides.
Black, R.J. and E.F. Gilman. 2004. Landscape Plants for the Palms and Palm-Like Plants: Arenga engleri, Chamaedorea spp., Licuala grandis,
Gulf and South Atlantic Coasts. University Press of Florida, Ptychosperma macarthurii, Rhapis excelsa, Rhapis humilis, Sabal etonia, Sabal minor,
Gainesville. 230 pp. Zamia pumila.
Perennials: Agave spp., Aloe spp., Alpinia spp., Angelonia angustifolia, Belamcanda chi-
nensis, Bromeliaceae genera, Bulbine frutescens, Crossandra spp., Curcuma spp.,
Broschat, T.K. and A.W. Meerow. 1999. Betrock’s Reference Guide to Dianella spp., Dietes iridoides, Echinacea purpurea, Evolvulus glomeratus, Gaura lind-
Florida’s Landscape Plants. Betrock Information Systems, Inc., heimeri, Gloriosa spp., Hedychium spp., Helianthus debilis, Hippeastrum spp., Iris
U.S.A. 428 pp. hexagona, Justicia spicigera, Kaempferia spp., Leonotis leonurus, Pachystachys lutea,
Plectranthus spp., Rudbeckia hirta, Solenostemon scuttellaroides, Stokesia laevis,
Zephyranthes spp.
Dehgan, B. 1998. Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. Annuals: Amaranthus spp., Angelonia angustifolia, Calendula spp., Justicia spicigera,
University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 638 pp Pachystachys lutea, Petunia Xhybrida, Rudbeckia hirta, Solenostemon scuttellaroides,
Torenia fournieri, Viola spp., Zinnia hybrids.
Floridata Plant Profiles. 2005. http://Floridata.com
Brown, Stephen.
Small Trees: Baccharis halimifolia, Sophora tomentosa.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2008. Florida Large Shrubs: Acrostichum danaeifolium, Allamanda nerifolia, Baccharis halmifolia,
Green Industries Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Jasminum nitidum.
Resources in Florida. Groundcovers: Ernodea littoralis, Scaevola plumieri
Grasses: Cymbopogon citratus.
Ferns: Acrostichum danaeifolium, Blechnum serrulatum.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection and University of Perennials: Acrostichum danaeifolium, Blechnum serrulatum, Heliotropium angiosper-
Florida. 2009. Florida-friendly Landscape Guidance Models for mum, Hymenocallis spp.
Ordinances, Covenants, and Restrictions.
Caldwell, Doug.
Medium Trees: Elaeocarpus decipens.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection and University of
Florida. 2009. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook. Davis, Jim.
Perennials: Euryops spp.
Haehle, R.G. and J. Brookwell. 2004. Native Florida Plants. Taylor
Trade Publishing, New York. 400 pp. Delvalle, Terry.
Grasses: Schizachyrium scoparium.
Meerow, A.W. 1999. Betrock’s Guide to Landscape Palms. Betrock Durr, Audrey.
Information Systems. Hollywood, FL. 138 pp. Medium Trees: Avicennia germinans.
Ferns: Sphaeropteris cooperi.
Nelson, G. 2003. Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants. University Friday, Theresa.
Press of Florida, Gainesville. 411 pp. Perennials: Neomarica gracilis.
Osorio, R. 2001. A Gardener’s Guide to Florida’s Native Plants. Gelmis, Georgia.

Large Trees: Quercus virginiana.
University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 345 pp. Palms and Palm-Like Plants: Trachycarpus fortunei.
Perennials: Sphaeropteris cooperi
USDA, NRCS. 2005. The Plants Database, Version 3.5
(http://plants.usda.gov). Data compiled from various sources by Gillman, Ed.
Large Trees: Acer barbatum, Acer rubrum, Betula nigra, Bucida buceras, Carya spp.,
Mark W. Skinner. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge LA Chorisia speciosa, Conocarpus erectus, Ficus aurea, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus car-
70874-4490 USA. oliniana, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Gordonia lasianthus, Halesia carolina, Juniperus vir-
giniana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Liriodendron tulipifera, Litchi chinensis, Lysiloma
Watkins, J., T.J. Sheehan, and R.J. Black. 2005. Florida Landscape latisiliquum, Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia virginiana, Nyssa sylvatica, Persea ameri-
cana, Pinus clausa, Pinus elliottii var densa, Pinus glabra, Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda,
Plants, Native and Exotic, 2nd Ed. University Press of Florida, Piscidia piscipula, Platanus occidentalis, Quercus acutissima, Quercus alba, Quercus aus-
Gainesville. 468 pp. trina, Quercus falcata, Quercus michauxii, Quercus nuttallii, Quercus shumardii,
Simarouba glauca, Swietenia mahagoni, Taxodium spp., Ulmus alata, Ulmus americana,
University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department, Ulmus crassifolia, Ulmus parvifolia.
Medium Trees: Bursera simaruba, Caesalpinia spp, Carpentaria acuminata, Carpinus
Woody Ornamental Landscape pages by Ed Gilman. 2009.
caroliniana, Cassia fistula, Cercis canadensis, Chrysophyllum oliviforme, Cocoloba diver-
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody.html sifolia, Cordia sebestena, Crataegus spp., Cypressus arizonica var. arizonica, Ficus citri-
folia, Illex Xattenuata, Ilex cassine, Ilex opaca, Ilex rotunda, Jacaranda mimosifolia,
Juniperus silicicola, Lagerstroemia indica, Ostrya virginiana, Persea borbonia,
PHOTO CREDITS Podocarpus gracilior, Quercus lyrata, Rhizophora mangle, Tabebuia chrysotricha,
Bowden, Robert. Tabebuia heterophylla, Tabebuia impetiginosa.
Small Trees: Arenga engleri, Magnolia figo, Prunus campanulata, Tabebuia aurea. Small Trees: Acacia farnesiana, Aesculus pavia, Aralia spinosa, Ardisia escallonoides,
Large Shrubs: Agarista populifolia, Agave spp., Aloysia virgata, Barleria micans, Butia capitata, Callistemon spp., Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Canella winter-
Callicarpa americana, Cestrum aurantiacum, Erythrina herbacea, Galphimia glauca, ana, Capparis cynophallophora, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Cornus florida, Eriobotrya
Gardenia jasminoides, Malvaviscus arboreus, Philodendron selloum, Psychotria nervosa, japonica, Eugenia spp., Forestiera segregata, Ilex X‘Nellie R. Stevens’, Ilex cornuta, Ilex
Rhododendron cvs., Sabal minor, Severinia buxifolia, Tabernaemontana divaricata, decidua, Ilex vomitoria, Jatropha integerrima, Ligustrum japonicum, Magnolia Xsoulan-
Thunbergia erecta, Viburnum suspensum. giana, Musa spp., Myrcianthes fragrans, Myrica cerifera, Olea europa, Osmanthus amer-
Small Shrubs: Aloe spp., Malpighia coccigera, Pyracantha coccinea, Sabal etonia, icanus, Parkinsonia aculeata, Plumeria rubra, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Prunus angusti-
Spiraea spp. folia, Prunus umbellata, Quercus geminata, Raphiolepis spp., Senna polyphylla,
Vines: Aster carolinianus, Aristolochia spp., Bignonia capreolata, Hedera canariensis, Sideroxylon spp., Tecoma stans, Viburnum obovatum, Viburnum odoratissimum,
Hedera helix, Petraea volubilis, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Wisteria frutescens. Viburnum odoratissiumu var awabuki, Viburnum rufidulum.
Groundcovers: Anthericum sanderii, Arachis glabrata, Evolvulus glomeratus, Hedera Large Shrubs: Abelia Xgrandiflora, Acacia farnesia, Acca sellowiana, Aralia spinosa,
canariensis, Hedera helix, Juniperus conferta, Trachelospermum asiaticum, Ardisia escallonioides, Asimina spp., Brugmansia Xcandida, Brunfelsia grandiflora,
Trachelospermum jasminoides, Zamia pumila. Buddleia lindleyana, Calliandra haematocephala, Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua,
100
Capparis cynophallophora, Carissa macrocarpa, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Helianthus angustifolius, Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Solidago spp.
Cephalotaxus harringtonia, Chrysobalanus icaco, Citharexylum spinosum, Coccoloba Annuals: Coreopsis spp.
uvifera, Cocculus laurifolius, Codiaeum variegatum, Conocarpus erectus, Cordyline spp.,
Crataegus spp., Duranta erecta, Eugenia spp., Fatsia japonica, Forestiera segregata, Murray, Ann. University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and
Halesia diptera, Hamamelis virginiana, Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea quercifolia, Invasive Plants
Ilex cornuta, Ilex vomitoria, Itea virginica, Jatropha integerrima, Juniperus chinensis, Ferns: Osmunda cinnamomea.
Ligustrum japonicum, Loropetalum chinense, Mahonia bealei, Murrya paniculata, Musa Perennials: Iris virginica, Osmunda cinnamomea.
spp., Myrcianthes fragrans, Myrica cerifera, Nerium oleander, Osmanthus americanus,
Philodendron cvs., Podocarpus gracilior, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Rhamnus caroliniana, Niemann, Brian.
Senna polyphylla, Strelitzia nicolai, Tecoma stans, Tibouchina urvilleana, Tibouchina Small Trees: Ilex X‘Mary Nell’.
granulosa, Vaccinium arboreum, Viburnum obovatum, Viburnum odoratissimum, Large Shrubs: Berberis julianae, Clethra alnifolia, Ilex X‘Mary Nell’, Osmanthus fra-
Viburnum odoratissimum var awabuki, Yucca spp. grans, Pittosporum tobira.
Small Shrubs: Breynia disticha, Caesalpinia spp., Ixora coccinea, Mahonia fortunei, Vines: Decumaria barbara.
Strelitzia reginae. Groundcovers: Mimosa strigillosa.
Vines: Allamanda cathartica, Bougainvillea cvs., Campsis radicans, Gelsemium semper-
virens, Lonicera sempervirens. Pagnier, Veronique.
Groundcovers: Ajuga reptans, Aspidistra elatior, Dryopteris spp., Liriope muscari, Zamia Vines: Mandevilla cvs.
furfuracea.
Grasses: Miscanthus sinensis, Spartina spp., Tripsacum floridana. Pellegrini, Mark.
Palms and Palm-Like Plants: Acoelorrhaphe wrightii, Bismarckia nobilis, Butia capitata, Groundcovers: Ardisia japonica.
Carpentaria acuminata, Caryota mitis, Chamaerops humilis, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens,
Coccothrinax argentata, Howea forsterana, Livistona spp., Nolina recurvata, Phoenix Quillia, Oliver.
spp., Pseudophoenix sargentii, Ravenea rivularis, Rhapidophyllum hystrix, Roystonea Vines: Passiflora incarnata (inset).
regia, Sabal palmetto, Serenoa repens, Thrinax morrisii, Thrinax radiata, Washingtonia
robusta, Wodyetia bifurcata, Zamia furfuracea. Ramey, Vic. University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and
Ferns: Dryopteris spp. Invasive Plants
Perennials: Agapanthus africanus, Ajuga reptans, Asimina spp., Aspidistra elatior, Small Trees: Cornus foemina.
Caladium Xhortulanum, Cuphea hyssopifolia, Dryopteris spp., Heliconia spp., Impatiens Large Shrubs: Rhododendron austrinum.
spp., Justicia brandegeana, Justicia carnea, Liriope muscari, Musa spp., Philodendron Groundcovers: Nephrolepis biserrata.
cvs., Stachytarpheta spp. Ferns: Nephrolepis biserrata.
Annuals: Ageratum spp., Caladium Xhortulanum, Celosia spp., Impatiens spp., Justicia
brandegeana, Justicia carnea. Richard, Amy. University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and
Invasive Plants
Gasper, Joaquim. Groundcovers: Nephrolepis exaltata.
Large Shrubs: Nerium oleander-inset. Ferns: Nephrolepis exaltata.
Girin, Bruno. Schumaker, Paul.

Annuals: Viola Xwittrockiana. Groundcovers: Ipomoea spp.
Granson, Sandy. Shebs, Stan.

Small Trees: Calliandra spp., Dodonaea viscosa, Myrciaria cauliflora. Groundcovers: Rumohra adiantiformis.
Large Shrubs: Lyonia ferruginea, Suriana maritima. Grasses: Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana.
Small Shrubs: Acalypha hispida, Brunfelsia americana, Carissa macrocarpa, Gamolepis Ferns: Rumohra adiantiformis.
spp., Lantana depressa, Leucophyllum frutescens, Rosmarinus spp.
Vines: Ficus pumila, Thunbergia alata. Storch, Hedwig.
Grasses: Andropogon spp. Perennials: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.
Ferns: Pteridium aquilinum.
Perennials: Begonia semperflorens, Hemerocallis spp., Lantana involucrata, Pteridium Sullivan, Jessica.
aquilinum. Medium Trees: Elaeocarpus decipens, Zanthoxylum clava-herculis.
Annuals: Begonia semperflorens, Monarda punctata.
Tau’olunga.
Green, Tim. Vines: Quisqualis indica.
Ferns: Dicksonia antarctica.
Perennials: Dicksonia antarctica. Taylor, Kim.
Large Shrubs: Hamelia patens.
Jacinto, Valter.
Large Shrubs: Jasminum mesnyi. Wasowski, Sally and Andy. Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center
Karekar, Kapil. Groundcovers: Thelypteris kunthii.
Perennials: Haemanthus multiflorus. Ferns: Thelypteris kunthii.
Keisotyo. Wichman, Tom.

Small Trees: Podocarpus macrophyllus (inset). Large Shrubs: Bambusa spp., Hibiscus spp.
Large Shrubs: Podocarpus macrophyllus (inset). Vines: Millettia reticulata.
Groundcovers: Vinca major.
Kenpei. Palms and Palm-Like Plants: Ceratozamia hildae, Ceratozamia kuesteriana, Dioon
Large Shrubs: Heptapleurum arboricolum, Hydrangea arborescens, Ternstroemia gymnan- edule.
thera. Perennials: Amorphophallus spp., Asclepias spp., Lycoris spp.
Small Shrubs: Raphiolepis spp.
Groundcovers: Juniperus horizontalis, Ophiopogon japonicus. Wilber, Wendy.
Annuals: Tithonia rotundiflora.
Kern, Bill.
Medium Trees: Persea palustris. Wildes, Carolyn.
Small Trees: Cyrilla racemiflora, Sophora tomentosa (inset). Small Shrubs: Russelia sarmentosa.
Large Shrubs: Cyrilla racemiflora, Senna bicapsularis.
Small Shrubs: Lyonia lucida. Yasalonis, Anne.
Small Trees: Illicium spp.
Larsen, Claudia. Large Shrubs: Illicium spp., Jasminum multiflorum.
Large Shrubs: Calycanthus floridus, Rhododendron canescens. Small Shrubs: Russelia equisetiformis.
Groundcovers: Glandularia tampensis, Lantana montevidensis. Vines: Jasminum multiflorum.
Grasses: Eragrostis elliottii. Groundcovers: Dyschoriste oblongifolia.
Perennials: Conradina spp., Coreopsis spp., Flaveria linearis, Gaillardia pulchella, Perennials: Conradina spp. (inset), Dyschoriste oblongifolia.
CREATE A FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE
Yards and landscapes can be a positive asset to Florida. You can design and maintain your own Florida-
Friendly Landscape by following the simple practices in this book. You will learn the basics of designing a
landscape featuring carefully selected plants suited to Florida’s unique climate, natural conditions, and
wildlife.
We offer you cost-saving tips that, if implemented properly, will help you reduce water, fertilizer, and pesti-
cide use. There is also a helpful section for waterfront homeowners addressing the special concerns of shore-
line landscape management.
Whether you are starting from scratch with a new landscape or considering changes to an existing yard, the
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook offers helpful concepts, tools, and techniques for creating your
own Florida-Friendly yard. We hope you enjoy the publication and look forward to assisting you in creating
an aesthetically pleasing landscape that will also help to protect Florida’s natural resources.

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The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to TM

Plant Selection & Landscape Design

• Workshops and classes

Phone: (352) 273-4518

Thanks to the following individuals for helping to produce this document:

Copyright 2010, University of Florida.

INTRODUCTION: ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

WHAT IS A FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE? LANDSCAPE DESIGN & PLANT SELECTION

The nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles are

PRINCIPLE #1: RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

PRINCIPLE #6: MANAGE YARD PESTS RESPONSIBLY

PRINCIPLE #7: RECYCLE

A Florida-Friendly Landscape uses porous pavers, rain

PRINCIPLE #9: PROTECT THE WATERFRONT

Implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ design and

• Not enough plant material in beds

• Plants are not in scale with front of house

To create a visually welcoming front entry

Plant Characteristics to Look For:

• Low-growing, compact plants

• Medium or coarse texture

• Place low/small plants next to the walk-

• Place interesting plants at natural view

• Use colorful or fragrant plants to engage

• Use curved planting beds to draw the

With Trees Without Trees

Low plants adjacent

• Blank wall is not visually pleasing

• Bare walls act as a heat sink during the

To break the monotony of blank walls through

Plant Characteristics to Look For:

• Low- or medium-height shrubs

• Place root ball at least 3’ from wall to

• Choose plants with a tidy growth habit

• Choose plants that are color-compatible

• Consider planting small trees to provide

Fence • Use slightly taller plants between windows

• Use shrubs with soft/fine texture and flexi-

With Trees Without Trees

Low shrubs Medium height shrubs

• Turf is in poor condition

To reduce trimming and maintenance needs

Plant Characteristics to Look For:

• Compact growth habit

• Does not attract biting or stinging insects

• Reduce trimming and edging needs by

• If a turf strip is not used, consider a

House Turf • Avoid plants that attract biting or stinging

• Use plants with interesting textures and

Turf Buffer Strip Raised Edging

• Dense plant blocks rear window

• No plant material around front window

To frame windows with plant material to add

Plant Characteristics to Look For:

• No thorns or stiff leaves

• Avoid blocking views by choosing plants

• Choose shrubs with a tidy growth habit

• Avoid stiff, thorny plants that would pre-

• Be aware of the mature size of plants and

No Screening Light Screening

• Bare fence is not visually pleasing

• View from yard needs screening (ex:

To turn an unsightly view into a visually